Over 250 residents come out for annual Coldest Night of the Year walk

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Caledon community came out in droves for an annual fundraising event last weekend.

On February 24, Caledon Community Services (CCS) hosted its annual Coldest Night of the Year (CONY) walk. The walk's goal is to raise money for CCS programs and services that help people who are in need of food and/or shelter.

Donna Cragg, CCS' Director of Communications and Marketing, said CONY is always a fantastic, family-friendly event and this year's walk was no different.

“When I was getting dressed… I was putting on layers of warm clothes… and I was thinking about how the people we're walking for often don't have an option like that,” said Cragg.

One of the goals of CONY walks, which are held across Canada, is to have participants think about the struggles and hardships that people facing hunger and homelessness go through. 

“It really hits home when the temperature drops,” said Cragg.

This year's CNOY walk in Caledon started out at the Caledon East Community Complex. Walkers gathered in a community room there around 4 p.m. to register, get their CONY hats, socialize, and listen to some send-off remarks. 

CCS CEO Geraldine Aguiar thanked all of the sponsors, walkers, and volunteers participating in the event. She said there were 258-plus walkers, 40 teams, and 76 volunteers at the event.

“Every step you take brings someone closer to health, closer to home, and closer to safety,” said Aguiar.

Caledon Mayor Annette Groves was at the walk along with a team of her Council colleagues. She said the walk had an amazing turnout which made her so happy.

Groves said hunger and homelessness is very real in Caledon, and in the Region of Peel. 

“We have seen a lot of families who are truly, truly in need,” said Groves. “This walk, we are shining a light on hunger and homelessness and raising awareness. Raising awareness is extremely important.”

Groves said while it may not seem like there's hunger and homelessness in Caledon, there very much is. In recent years, CCS has seen unprecedented demand for its food services.

“By walking today, by showing support, by pledging and raising funds… you're helping to end homelessness, you're helping to save families that are on the streets,” said Groves.

So far, over $92,000 has been raised from this year's CNOY walk. The fundraising goal for this year is $120,000, and donations are being accepted until March 31. 

Caledon Firefighters, who have historically supported the CNOY walk, put a team together for the walk this year again and are currently the top fundraisers at over $12,000.