United Way's Coldest Night Of The Year Returns To North Huron On February 22nd

by Bob Montgomery

United Way Perth-Huron invites people in northern Huron to register for the third annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk.

It's a family-friendly winter fundraising event in support of local individuals experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. “We’re looking forward to this year’s walk,” said Lisa Harper, United Way’s Manager of Community Development for Northern Huron and Huron East. “Chronic homelessness is still at the forefront in the region and funds raised during the Coldest Night will help address this pressing issue. We invite everyone to walk and help us reach our $30,000 goal.”

This year’s Wingham Walk happens on Saturday, February 22, as well as a choice to walk any time during February. For the in-person walk, event check-in begins at 4 p.m. at the Libro Credit Union and Maitland River Community Church parking lots, with opening ceremonies scheduled for 5 p.m. A light meal and refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. at the Maitland River Community Church. Walkers can choose a two or five kilometre route ending up back at the Libro Credit Union and Maitland River Community Church parking lots. Participants raising over $150 — $75 for youth under 18 — receive CNOY toques. To register, visit cnoy.org. For event updates, join the “Wingham Coldest Night of the Year” group on Facebook, here.

As part of the Wingham event, Blyth is holding a CNOY walk on Saturday, February 15 starting at 10 a.m. at the Blyth United Church. Refreshments and snacks will be served at the church after the walk. Join the Blyth CNOY team here.

By walking in Wingham and Blyth, participants are supporting United Way Perth Huron’s Northern Huron Connection Centre in Wingham. The centre is a welcoming place offering basic needs such as light meals, a shower, washroom facilities and laundry along with additional support through partnerships with numerous agencies. 

United Way would like to thank their current sponsors: Avenir Energy Ltd., Corteva Agriscience, Howick Mutual Insurance Company, Ideal Supply, Libro Credit Union, Maitland River Community Church and McDonald’s Wingham. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Lisa at lharper@perthhuron.unitedway.ca for details.

Photo courtesy of United Way Perth Huron - Walkers from last year’s Coldest Night of the Year in Wingham