Community puts best feet forward
Before the walk even began, Open Arms Mission had already exceeded last year’s fundraising mark for the Coldest Night of the Year event.
Before the walk, $ 33,561 had been raised for the Welland organization and its programs, which help people in need in the community. The event is one of Open Arms’ biggest fundraisers of the year.
While shy of a $ 45,000 goal, Leslie Bellingham, donor relations manager, said many donations come in during the walk and even afterwards. Last year, an additional $ 10,000 came in on the night of the walk.
Welland Community Wellness Complex was the starting point for Saturday’s two-, five- or 10- kilometre walk.
“It’s so amazing,” Bellingham said of seeing a crowd of people gathered at the city facility. “It’s just the feeling of having the whole community behind us.”
She said there were 150 walkers and 24 teams signed up for the walk; 54 volunteers, including some who use Open Arms and its programs, helped make sure the event ran smoothly.
Bellingham said Open Arms sees on average 10 to 15 new people visit the mission each month.
Wainfleet Mayor April Jeffs, who was walking with a team and spoke before everyone got on their way, acknowledged and thanked Open Arms for the work they do and the people they help in southern Niagara.
Of the Coldest Night walk, Jeffs said, “It gives us just the tiniest glimpse into what some in our community suffer with.”
Apart from the seriousness of what the walk was about, the event also allowed for a good-spirited evening.
Jeffs confidently said she would outwalk everyone there.
Frank Campion, Welland’s mayor, was also confident in his team, comprising city staff, including CAO Gary Long, and Ward 5 Coun. Claudette Richard.
When he spoke during the opening ceremonies, he said the Coldest Night of the Year walk is a “very, very worthwhile” cause for a worthy organization.
Welland Fire and Emergency Services volunteer and career firefighters also participated in the walk.
Bellingham announced that the top fundraising team for the event was from Fonthill. Root Bissonnette Walker LLP raised more than $ 5,600 for the cause.
After the walk, participants returned to the wellness complex, where chili and refreshments were served. laura. barton@ niagaradailies.com twitter. com/ LBartonTribune