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A crowd of over 200 engaged community members came together Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019 to walk for Inn From the Cold in the Coldest Night of the Year Walk for the Homeless. This was Inn From the Cold’s 7th annual walk.
Enthusiasm was high this year as Inn From the Cold announced during the opening ceremonies that together, the community has raised over $90,000 for Inn From the Cold, more than double their goal of $40,000.
Master of Ceremonies Darcy Toombs of Coldwell Banker congratulated all the walkers and sponsors of this great event. Speakers included Kyle Peterson, MP for Newmarket-Aurora, Newmarket Mayor John Taylor and Inn From the Cold’s Executive Director, Ann Watson. All commented about the incredible fundraising efforts of the community and of their support for those experiencing homelessness in Newmarket.
Once speeches were over, Artistica Dance Studio did a fun and energetic warm-up that got the crowd moving, dancing and smiling.
After walking two, five or 10 kilometres, the crowd was welcomed back with chilli (donated by Ground Burger), cornbread (donated by Hungry Brew Hops), coffee/tea/refreshments (donated by Starbucks and Superstore Aurora), and delicious desserts prepared by Inn From the Cold volunteers.
With over 200 walkers, 30 volunteers and 16 business and community sponsorships, the event was a truly collaborative effort. It couldn’t have happened without the generous support of all our sponsors, including our lead sponsor, the York Regional Police Services Board, and other sponsors, including GHD Limited, Highland Gate Ratepayers Association, Fenn and Fenn Insurance, Main Street Merchants and many others.
Comments since the event have underscored the importance of raising funds, awareness of homelessness and community spirit through this walk.
“On Saturday I entered a team, Team Tom Taylor, in the Coldest Night of the Year walk to support our homeless shelter, Inn From the Cold. I was proud to walk with my father who helped start the shelter many years ago.” -- Mayor John Taylor.
“The Coldest Night of the Year Walk in Newmarket was an incredible success! Our community teams raised over $90,000 for Inn From the Cold. Congratulations to Team Tom Taylor, the fifth top fundraising team in Canada. Thank you to each volunteer, walker and donor in helping to make the 2019 #CNOTY a great success.” -- Kyle Peterson, MP Newmarket-Aurora
The commitment this community has to Inn From the Cold is so special and so unique. It is very appreciated by everyone at Inn From the Cold. From the Board Directors, volunteers, staff and clients, a huge thank you!
To learn more about Inn From the Cold, or to become involved, please click here or call 905-895-8889.
Ann Watson, Executive Director, Inn From the Cold
