Coldest Night of the Year aims to raise awareness, funds to combat homelessness

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is one month away. The fundraising walk is set for February 22 at eQuinelle in Kemptville, starting at 5:00pm. Every dollar raised will go to Connect Youth to help address youth homelessness. 

Organizer Craig McCormick says even though you don’t see homeless people on the streets in Leeds & Grenville, that doesn’t mean it’s not an issue. He noted couch surfing is common, with people bouncing between houses because they don’t have a place to live. McCormick explained homelessness exists everywhere, to a certain degree. 

Connect Youth has 155 referrals for homeless youth in 2018. The organization runs two 21-day transitional apartments – one in Prescott and one in Kemptville – and a 90-day full transitional housing unit in Spencerville. 

Registration is open for the event and people can choose between a two, five or 10 kilometer walk. People can also sign up to volunteer, become a sponsor or donate to a walker or team. 

McCormick says it would be great to see 200 people out walking. He noted the goal is to build on CNOY annually.  

Click here to register for the event.