​Countdown on for Coldest Night of the Year

Whether you plan to walk solo, form a team, pledge or volunteer, the fourth annual Coldest Night of the Year in support of Green Wood Coalition is just around the corner.

The February 24th walk in Port Hope is part of a nation-wide movement to raise awareness and money in support of the hungry, homeless and hurting. Port Hope’s walk joins 120 other locations that, since 2011, have raised over $16.5 million nationally for street-level charities. Last year, over 200 people walked the 2.5 or 5 km distance locally, raising over $48,000 for Green Wood.

Event co-director Judy Hone says the event is as much about coming together as a community as it is about raising awareness of homelessness and fundraising. “People have a lot of fun, but it’s also meant to be a bit reflective,” she says. “February 24 is chosen because it’s statistically the coldest night of the year. While we go out in the cold for an hour or whatever it takes to do the walk, this is the reality for very many people. The cold is where they spend most their time.”

As of mid January, the event was on track with this time last year for attracting teams and raising money. Green Wood’s 2018 goal has been set at $42,000. The walk starts and finishes at Port Hope High School, beginning at 4:00 p.m. with registration and check-in and culminating in a chili dinner, courtesy of community donors, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

For event details and to register to walk, fundraise, volunteer or pledge, visit: www.cnoy.org/location/porthope