In just over a month, Bradford will host its first-ever Coldest Night of the Year charity walk, hosted by United Way Simcoe Muskoka.
To help raise awareness for the event, there will be a virtual kick-off this Saturday, Jan. 22 on Facebook at 1 p.m.
On Feb. 26, 2022, residents will have the opportunity to walk along Holland Street to raise awareness and funds for the homeless, hungry and hurting in the region through various multi-year, collaborative projects.
Walkers have a choice of taking part in the 2km or 5 km loop down Holland Street, with rest stops and snacks set up along the way. After the walk, a light meal will be served.
In Bradford, the money raised will go toward the YouthCALL Service Link project, helping youth aged 14-28 who are experiencing difficult challenges in their lives, from food insecurity to suicidal tendencies, and homelessness. The service link started off as face-to-face in-person meetings, but since the onset of COVID has become a hotline where youth are able to speak to a live agent one-on-one, who can refer them to a drop-in location for support.
YouthCALL also partners with the Gilbert Centre to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth have the supports they need. So far, YouthCALL has helped connect hundreds of youth with critical, sometimes life-saving, services.
Adults who raise a minimum of $150 will receive a CNOY toque. Children under 18 who raise a minimum of $75 will also receive one, while supplies last.
Last year, the national CNOY walk went virtual due to COVID restrictions but was able to raise more money than ever before, a record-breaking $9.9M.
Currently, there are 11 teams and 49 walkers registered for the Bradford event. A total of $6,271 has been raised so far of the $20,000 goal, and various businesses have come on board as sponsors.
There are 39 days left to register. You can sign up to walk, volunteer, donate or sponsor on the official website here.
To join the kick-off call on Saturday, click the Facebook event page here.
