Annual walk held alternatively this year 

Last Saturday was virtually the Coldest Night of the Year. 

The Coldest Night of the Year is a COVID-safe, family-friendly walk held to raise money for charities serving people experiencing homelessness, hurt and hunger. Usually, walkers gather en masse at a designated location, but social distancing guidelines made it look a little different this year. 

It has been held annually in 149 communities across Canada since 2011 and the Downtown Mission of Windsor is one of the hosts.

Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $33.5 million across the country. 

It is the biggest fundraiser for the Mission and this is their eighth year participating.  

The goal for the Mission this year for the event was $70,000 and they managed to reach about 97 per cent of their goal before the event day. It currently surpasses the goal by over $20,000 with a total of $92,901 raised according to the official CNOY website. 

Thirty-one teams with a total of 207 walkers took part on Feb. 20. 

Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, director of development at the Mission and the event coordinator this year said holding it virtual had its advantages and may be possible to continue in the future. 

“It’s giving the opportunity for a lot of people to participate from all over Windsor Essex and even outside of Windsor Essex,” said Goulin. 

Ivy Ehis, an attendee said she was glad to be able to attend the event, even though it wasn’t in person. 

“It’s going to be very fun and exciting, and I just hope next year we will be able to meet in person,” said Ehis.  

Attendees were able to participate by walking around outside in groups or alone in the safety of their own neighbourhoods. They could also share pictures online on social media using #CNOY21.  

Fundraising will officially be finished by the end of March and willing donors can online at cnoy.org/Windsor to support.