Guelph’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser will include two walk distances, locations

GUELPH – Hope House’s annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk will be back this February, and this year, the event has grown to two locations.

The event is a family-friendly walk to raise much-needed funds for charities serving people experiencing “hurt, hunger and homelessness,” a news release stated.

Coldest Night events are held across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., with the official date set for Feb. 22.

In Guelph, funds raised go to Hope House, an organization that offers “services and programs that challenge the stigmas surrounding poverty,” the release stated.

Strong support for the event means organizers will offer two locations with two different distances and schedules this year.

Those who wish to walk two kilometres will meet at John F. Ross high school at 1pm and start walking at 2pm.

Those who wish to walk 5km will meet at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute at 4pm to begin walking at 5pm.

Both groups will still enjoy a warm meal upon their return, and shuttle services between Hope House and both high schools will be available.

At both GCVI and John F. Ross high schools, a group of committed community-focused students has organized opening ceremonies for the event.

“We are thrilled that we have grown and that we have partnered with both of these great schools for the important work of alleviating hurt, hunger and homelessness,” Coldest Night campaign co-chair Sean Yo stated in the news release.

“We know that the need in our community has never been greater, and we’re hoping that our community will show up once again to help us reach our fundraising goal of $210,000,” Hope House executive director Jaya James stated in the release.

Coldest Night is still recruiting team captains to gather a group together (co-workers, family, friends) to walk in support of Hope House. Walkers can also register on their own.

Adults who raise $150 and youth who raise $75 will get a CNOY toque.

And those for whom walking isn’t an option can still make donations.

For more information, to register or to donate, visit .