Coldest Night of the Year raises over $100,000 in four Grey-Bruce communities

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The United Way Bruce Grey’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser contributed over $100,000 between the communities of Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Meaford and Grey Highlands this year.

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On Feb. 24, participants in those four communities gathered to walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.

The Saugeen Shores CNOY walk, in partnership with the Port Elgin Rotary Club, raised $50,578, exceeding its $50,000 target this year thanks to 222 walkers and volunteers.

Port Elgin Rotary Club’s donation of $3,000 to United Housing for All (UHFA) bolsters efforts in tackling homelessness and affordable housing initiatives in Saugeen Shores. This year’s contribution went to YMCA Rural Housing and Homelessness Outreach, actively preventing and reducing homelessness in Bruce County. Further fortifying community support, the Port Elgin Rotary Club allocated $31,387.51 to United Way Bruce Grey, empowering Saugeen Shores residents to access essential programs such as Utility Assistance, Financial Literacy, The Backpack Program and grant initiatives benefiting Saugeen Shores and beyond.

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Monetary sponsors for the Saugeen Shores CNOY walk included Trinity Tiny Homes and Ewyn Weight Loss Studios in Port Elgin.

The Kincardine CNOY walk in partnership with the Kincardine Good Food Box Neighbour to Neighbour Program raised $27,776, surpassing a goal of $25,000, thanks to 118 walkers and volunteers.

A contribution of $8,700 to the Kincardine Good Food Box Neighbour to Neighbour Program translates to 395 boxes of nutritious produce reaching struggling households.

Additionally, $8,686.25 supports vital programs facilitated by United Way Bruce Grey, including Financial Literacy, Utility Assistance, and The Backpack Program, alongside grants benefiting the broader Grey Bruce community.

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Meaford’s CNOY walk in partnership with the Meaford Rotary Club raised $20,125, exceeding its goal of $20,000, thanks to 102 walkers and volunteers

Meaford Rotary Club’s $7,000 contribution ensures the continued operation of the Rotary House, a vital resource for partners and the wider community.

Supporting a range of crucial initiatives, $6,300.63 aids United Way Bruce Grey’s programs such as Financial Literacy, Supportive Outreach Services (SOS), Utility Assistance, and The Backpack Program, alongside broader grant support.

The CNOY walk in Grey Highlands raised $15,779 in partnership with the South East Grey Community Health Centre, and thanks to 85 walkers and volunteers.

SEGCHC’s $5,000 allocation directly addresses the needs of low-income and precariously housed individuals across Grey Highlands, Southgate, Chatsworth, and West Grey.

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An additional $4,937.25 empowers United Way Bruce Grey to sustain essential programs and grant initiatives benefiting Grey Highlands and beyond.

Since 2011, the CNOY event has raised over $75 million across Canada with events in at least 190 Canadian communities.

One hundred per cent of net proceeds raised through CNOY walks support local charity partners.

The CNOY walks often include two-to-five kilometre routes with rest stops, volunteers, snacks and refreshments. Those unable to attend a local CNOY walk can organize a walk with family and friends.

Next year’s CNOY walk is scheduled to take place on Feb. 22.

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