LISTOWEL – United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is encouraging North Perth residents to bundle up and walk in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), a family-friendly fundraising event in support of local people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming CNOY back for a third year,” said Lee Anne Andriessen, chair of UWPH’s North Perth Community Committee. “Funds raised address challenges North Perth faces around the issues of chronic homelessness and social isolation. The community really responded to last year’s event, and we hope everyone joins us again this year to help us reach our goal of $68,000.”
This year’s Listowel walk includes an in-person event on Feb. 25, 2023, as well as an option to walk any time, any distance during the month of February. For the in-person walk, event check-in begins at 4 p.m. at Listowel Chrysler with opening ceremonies scheduled for 5 p.m.
Walkers can choose a two- or five-kilometre route down Main Street, ending up back at Listowel Chrysler.
Participants raising over $150, or $75 for youth under 18, receive CNOY toques. To register as an individual or team, visit cnoy.org.
By walking, participants will better understand the experience of being on the streets during a cold Canadian winter while raising funds to aid UWPH’s local work in support of the North Perth Connection Centre (HOPE Links). HOPE Links allows people to access multiple services in a supportive and welcoming environment, eat nutritious food, and connect socially and emotionally. CNOY also supports counselling for youth at risk, counselling and supports for children who have witnessed domestic violence and shelter and programming for homeless youth.
The 2022 CNOY raised $62,588 thanks to the efforts of 180 walkers, 33 teams and 647 donors.
