More than 500 dedicated individuals bundled up against the cold to raise more than $150,000 in Blue Door’s annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraising event in Richmond Hill.
Participants embarked on either a two-kilometre or five-kilometre journey Feb. 24 event to raise the funds that help provide life-saving support for individuals experiencing homelessness in York Region.
"Blue Door extends heartfelt gratitude to the team captains, walkers, and volunteers whose unwavering dedication and fundraising efforts helped surpass our goal, raising over $150,000. These generous contributions will provide essential services, including warm meals, winter clothing, nights of safety, and crucial wraparound support programs," a Blue Door news release stated.
Last year alone, Blue Door programs provided more than 115,000 meals, housed 260-plus individuals, and served more than 920 people in need, with the generous support of the community, and crucial fundraising events such as the Coldest Night of the Year.
"A special thank you to the sponsor of change, Home Trust, lead sponsors Descon and Alectra and all the esteemed sponsors for their ongoing leadership and commitment to our community’s most vulnerable members. Your support is truly making a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness," the agency said.
Blue Door CEO Michael Braithwaite achieved his fundraising goal of $10,000 and embarked on a gruelling 30-kilometre trek from the CN Tower to Richmond Hill, alongside board member Chirag Bhatt from York Regional Police.
“Walking 30 kilometres in the freezing cold was difficult, but the knowledge that our efforts could bring crucial funds and awareness to support our most vulnerable spurred us on,” said Braithwaite. “Many people experiencing homelessness do this type of walk every day to keep warm or to access services, and if some short-term pain and blisters brought in funds and awareness that could support our most vulnerable, it’s worth it. Until everyone has a safe place to call home, we must continue to push ourselves to be the change we wish to see.”
Funds are being accepted until March 31. Donate by visiting cnoy.org/location/richmondhill.
