Thanks to strong community and business support, NeighborLink Chatham-Kent’s Coldest Night of the Year walk has exceeded its fundraising total.
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Organizers said a total of 205 registered walkers raised $67,000, exceeding the initial goal $60,000, which was reached the night before Saturday’s event.
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Participants gathered at the former St. Agnes school in Chatham for the walk, with volunteer marshals assisting along the route.
A 2.5 km and five-km distance were available from which to choose, followed by a hot chili supper back at the school.
This year’s walk had the second-highest attendance, with 2022 holding the record of 217 registered walkers.
Corporate sponsorship in 2024 was the highest it’s been, with $12,500 raised. The previous record was $9,500 from last year.
Funds collected support those in the community experiencing hunger, homelessness and other hardships.
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Neighbor-Link also offers free services, including, but not limited to, food delivery and transportation to medical appointments.
It was the eighth year the event was held locally. Similar Coldest Night of the Year walks also took place throughout Canada this past weekend.
“All in all, this year’s CNOY was a great success and we’re grateful for the staff, board members and volunteers who made it happen,” organizer Al Baker said in an email Monday.
He added that more funds are expected to come in, because not all pledges have been verified. The final tally won’t be known until March.
The organization doesn’t receive any regular government funding, so it depends on fundraising efforts and donations.
Last year, the Chatham-Kent walk raised more than $70,000.
NeighborLink represents a network of churches in Chatham-Kent partnering to provide practical help to those in need by linking them to supportive volunteers or existing services.
For more information, visit https://www.neighbourlinkck.com/
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