A fundraising walk held Saturday brought in over $113,000 for St. Vincent Place, a local non-profit organization serving individuals experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
Community Rallies for St. Vincent Place
The annual Coldest Night of the Year event nearly reached its $125,000 goal, fueled by the participation of more than 230 walkers. St. Vincent Place provides critical services to the community, including a food bank, soup kitchen, transitional residence, and a program offering lunches for students.
According to Jennifer Sarlo, co-event director, the event’s success is rooted in raising awareness of local needs and highlighting how St. Vincent Place addresses them. Sarlo too expressed gratitude for the volunteers whose efforts were essential to the fundraiser.
The Coldest Night of the Year is a national event, with tens of thousands participating in approximately 200 locations across Canada. The Catholic Women’s League of Canada actively supports the event, with teams walking in northeastern Ontario. One participant, Pat Carter, has been involved with the walk for approximately 12 years.
Although the event did not quite reach its $125,000 target, the funds raised will directly support St. Vincent Place’s ongoing programs. Continued fundraising efforts could still bring the total closer to the original goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does St. Vincent Place offer?
St. Vincent Place provides a food bank, soup kitchen, transitional residence, and a Lunches for Learning program.
How many people participated in the walk?
More than 230 people took to the streets for this year’s Coldest Night of the Year event.
How long has Coldest Night of the Year been supporting St. Vincent Place?
Coldest Night of the Year has been supporting St. Vincent Place for 14 years, raising over $1 million during that time.
How can communities best support organizations addressing homelessness and hunger?