While some Londoners were caught off guard by the snowfall warnings issued by Environment Canada this past week, Mission Services of London are gearing up for their annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event.
Your toque and boots are already on so why not join us for #cnoy22? Walk 2km or 5km between today and Feb. 26th to help neighbours experiencing hunger & homelessness in #ldnont. Visit https://t.co/VsLhO3OFVR to give warmth & hope to those who need it most! pic.twitter.com/T6wMCV7YLF
— Mission Services of London (@Mission1951) February 1, 2022
“The idea behind the event is that you spend time outside, during what is traditionally one of the coldest months of the year,” says Nicole Case from Mission Services of London. “You get to experience what it’s like to be on the streets.”
Presented by Lewkowitz Financial, participants can walk 2km or 5km with a team of their choice from now until Feb. 26.
“We’ve found that flexibility really works,” says Case. “It gives people options in terms of when they can do the walk and people are more likely to get involved that way.”
“Local politicians will join representatives from sponsoring companies on a special 2km walking route through the Old East Village and Western Fair District.” [IMAGE: NICOLE CASE]
“We can go out and do our loop. But afterwards, we get to come home and we get to take off our coats and warm up with a blanket or with a hot drink. There are people who don’t have that option,” says Case.” There are people who don’t get that sense of relief, they don’t get to feel that tingling in their fingers as they warm back up. So the Coldest Night of the Year is an opportunity to get that experience to really understand that.”
With a goal of raising $100,000, proceeds from the month-long event will fund vital programs and services at all Mission Services of London branches, including addiction treatment and mental health outreach. Case thanks both past participants and those gearing up for this year’s event.
“It’s people who have those open hearts. People who are able to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, so to speak. We’re so grateful for those people for their support because that’s what makes us such a good community. That’s what makes us strong. And that’s what we’re hoping will turn out for this event as well.”
To find out how to register or pledge a donation to an existing team, click here.
“These walks will provide an example of the challenges our neighbours experiencing homelessness have to face during cold winter nights.” [CNOY.ORG]
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