Bradford residents can brave the cold on Saturday afternoon, to help others stay warm.
Local dignitaries and members of community organizations gathered to announce the annual Coldest Night of the Year campaign with a flag-raising ceremony at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Court House on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 20.
Mayor James Leduc opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone, and introducing speakers before reading a proclamation on behalf of the town and council which announced Feb. 18-24 2024, as Coldest Night Of The Year Week in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
This year will be the third-annual coldest night event organized by United Way Simcoe Muskoka, in which everyone is welcome to participate in a family-friendly walk through downtown to raise money for local charities supporting people facing hunger and homelessness.
“We at United Way Simcoe Muskoka are so proud to be partnered with WOW Living,” Brian Shelley, chief executive and philanthropy officer, United Way Simcoe Muskoka said. “This is an organization that's doing incredible work right here in your community and we certainly feel that that’s a partner we want to be working with, not just in the short term, but in the long term.”
Shelley also gave a special shout out to the mayor, for being the top fundraiser as of the flag raising.
So far there are 40 teams, 258 walkers and 44 volunteers registered with $54,760 donated as of the flag raising, according to Rosi Martin, relationship manager and event co-ordinator for United Way Simcoe Muskoka.
“We’ve really felt the community support. Bradford is really a great place to live and this is just one example of how much Bradford cares for its people,” Martin said
With only four days remaining before the walk on Saturday, she emphasized the importance of the “last push” for support and noted that between last year’s flag raising and walk, the charity saw $22,000 donated.
Those interested in participating can choose between a 2.5-km or five-kilometre route, with the walk scheduled to take place this Saturday, Feb. 24, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Bradford and District Memorial Community at 125 Simcoe Rd.
After the walk, participants are welcome to enjoy a warm meal at the community centre and walkers who raise more than $75 will receive a Coldest Night of the Year toque.
While last year’s event saw more than 200 people raise more than $58,000, this year’s goal is to raise $75,000 for which the local United Way has partnered with WOW Living, a registered charity in Bradford seeking to provide people with relief from the hardships of poverty.
This year, funds from the walk will go to support Groundwork, a program being led by WOW Living to provide support for those 15 and older dealing the financial insecurity by providing them with training, in-person mental-health supports, mentorship, safe employment options and volunteers opportunities.
The program is being run in collaboration with four community partners including: Glowing Hearts Psychotherapy, Jeanny Salmon Counselling and Therapy Services, Bradford Community Church and Anchored Counselling and Psychotherapy, along with 45 mentors and hopes to provide supports to six individuals starting as soon as Thursday, Feb. 22.
“Support is the word we keep driving home. Groundwork is to increase stability in people’s lives that are coming to the cafe,” Jodi Greenstreet, executive director of WOW Living said. “The community coming together is so encouraging.”
Ward 3 Coun. Ben Verkaik is also a member of the board of directors for WOW Living and took to the lectern to thank the town of Bradford and the United Way for all their help and support, noting the program will help people “here at home” in Bradford.
Located in the town’s new community and social services hub at 177 Church St., the organization also runs the Out of the Cold Cafe, which has operated in partnership with CrossTrainers Canada since 2020 and serves one meal a day to anywhere between 20 and 60 people in need in the community.
It also acts as an extreme cold overnight warming centre when the temperature drops to -10 C or colder.
For more information about the coldest night event or to donate, visit cnoy.org/location/bradford.
For more information about WOW Living visit wow-living.ca.
