Home / Lifestyle / Niagara braves cold, raises $450K for vulnerable neighbours
Niagara braves cold, raises $450K for vulnerable neighbours
3 Mar
Summary
- Over 1,000 people participated in five Coldest Night of the Year walks.
- The events across Niagara collectively raised nearly $450,000.
- Funds will support food banks, homelessness prevention, and brain injury services.
Over 1,000 residents across Niagara participated in five Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising walks held this past Saturday. The events, taking place in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, Fort Erie, and Grimsby, collectively generated close to $450,000 to aid vulnerable populations.
These crucial funds will benefit local agencies such as Project SHARE, the Open Arms Mission, Start Me Up Niagara, the YWCA Niagara Region, and the Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie. Support is directed towards programs addressing urgent needs, including food banks, homelessness prevention, and services for individuals with brain injuries.
In Niagara Falls, approximately 200 participants formed 30 teams, with the Stamford Lane United Church team leading fundraising efforts by collecting nearly $12,000. Organizers noted that donations are still being accepted online until March 31, highlighting the ongoing need for community support.
Organizers emphasized the significant impact of the CNOY event, especially as agencies face increasing demand for services while donations decrease. The funds raised are paramount in helping these organizations meet the needs of a growing number of individuals seeking assistance.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati addressed participants, underscoring the importance of their efforts in providing tangible support to those facing challenging living conditions, including lack of shelter and food insecurity.
