MINTO – Mapleton will be joining Minto this year to raise funds at the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event.
Two representatives from the Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington discussed the partnership at a Jan. 6 Minto council meeting.
CNOY, to be held in Harriston this year on Feb. 28, is an annual fundraiser that occurs in communities across Canada.
Participants walk 2km or 5km to support charities that help people facing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
The resource centre joined the fundraiser for the first time last year and hosted it in Minto, raising over $40,000.
“We expanded the event name to Minto-Mapleton in an effort to engage more walkers and businesses to get involved,” centre community engagement coordinator Ali Kane-DeCaire told council.
Funds raised will help individuals and families in Centre Wellington, Minto, Mapleton and Wellington North through outreach and support services.
The services include housing navigation and placement, advocacy, and crisis diversion, including subsidies, food support and practical assistance.
Kane-DeCaire shared details about how the $40,000 raised last year helped county residents, including:
– over 4,000 referrals to local support services;
– permanent housing for eight people;
– support for 18 unhoused individuals;
– 65 people received emergency food and grocery gift cards;
– 420 children received nutritious food options during summer months; and
– 300 children received winter wear to ensure safe participation in recess.
Walk information
The event will be hosted at the Harriston Arena (111 George St. S.), with parking available on site and on surrounding streets.
Check-in begins at 4pm, opening remarks at 4:45pm, the walk at 5pm and a light meal will be served at 6pm.
“It’s a 2.5km loop so if you sign up for the 5km you’ll just walk it twice,” Kane-DeCaire said.
The 2km walking route is highlighted, starting at the Harriston Arena.
Mayor Dave Turton noted those who don’t wish to walk can volunteer at resting stations along the route or offer support in the arena.
“There’s lot of volunteer opportunities,” EarlyON child and family centres manager Lindsay Cowan said.
“We’re really interested in volunteers.”
As of Jan. 8, just over $3,200 out of a $42,000 goal had been raised by community members.
With 51 days until the event, 21 walkers and 11 teams have signed up to participate.
A map of the walk route, registration and additional information can be found at en.cnoy.org/location/mintomapleton.
