Hundreds brave Coldest Night of the Year

By Cody Wall

More than 250 people rallied together to raise money to support those in need last month.

On Feb. 23, the sixth annual Coldest Night of the Year walk, hosted by the Downtown Mission of Windsor, took place. The walk allows people to walk a two, five or ten kilometre route and provides a chance to experience the challenges homeless people face during the winter.  

“It gives people a great chance to fundraise for an organization they believe in,” said Rukshini Ponnaih-Goulin, the director of development for the mission. “They also get to take a step in the shoes of someone who might be experiencing homelessness or dealing with poverty.”

Walkers, many of whom were returning from past years, were able to register for the walk by raising a set amount of money. Youth aged 11-17 were required to raise $75 while adults were asked to raise $150. People could also register by paying a fee ranging from $25 to $40, with money from both going towards the downtown mission.

The mission exceeded their goal, raising more than $57,000 as of Feb. 27 and continues to allow people to donate until March 6.

If people were unable to support the walk financially they were able to contribute by volunteering for the walk, guiding and supporting the walkers.

Hamza Mohammed was a first-time volunteer, who has also helped out at the mission.

“I’ve seen a lot of people doing [the walk] and I used to volunteer here for the kitchen,” said Mohammed. “This helps the community and it helped people around here by coming out a supporting.”

Following the walk, participants were able to return to the mission to eat and socialize with mission clients in the dining hall, giving people a chance to see first hand where the money they raised went to.

According to Ponniah-Goulin, this year’s walk had the largest turnout since being founded six years ago, with more than 250 people registering online and an estimated 50 additional walkers registering the day of the walk.

“It was the largest year in terms of fundraising. As of walk day we were at over $53,000, but over the past couple of days we have actually had more pledges coming in which has been incredible.”