Coldest Night of the Year walk falling short of fundraising goal

Kitchener, Cambridge homeless agencies hosting events Saturday

WATERLOO REGION — The Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser is having trouble hitting its goal.

Ray of Hope wanted to raise $200,000 from the fundraising walk for the homeless this year, but it had reached only 57 per cent of its target just days before Saturday’s event.

“It looks like we’re going to miss the goal,” said Harry Whyte, chief executive officer of Ray of Hope in Kitchener.

Whyte couldn’t explain the shortfall after last year’s fundraiser surpassed its goal of $140,000 (it raised $182,000 by the night’s end) and had a record number of walkers — over 850 — take part.

This year, about 500 people have signed up to walk on Saturday.

“Every year it fluctuates a bit. You just appreciate everyone that shows up,” Whyte said.

The money raised through Coldest Night of the Year goes toward the Ray of Hope Community Centre, where hot meals are served daily and food hampers are distributed. Homeless individuals can also access showers and laundry facilities at the centre.

“It’s also a space where the community can meet, and that is a fundamental piece for us,” Whyte said.

Last year’s walk raised 32 per cent of the centre’s overall budget, he said, adding that the centre is community funded and doesn’t get government money.

But for now, with the big walk around the corner, the weather is on Whyte’s mind.

This year’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser is probably going to be balmy and wet.

It’s expected to hit 8 C on Saturday. Environment Canada is calling for rain during the day and maybe even snow Saturday night as temperatures drop to just below freezing.

Whyte said they have been anxiously watching weather forecasts for the night of the big walk. His fingers are crossed there will be no ice on the ground.

“We’re hoping for the best.”

For seven years, the local charity has taken part in the national fundraiser to raise money for the homeless.

The event is a chance for walkers to experience what it is like for the many homeless individuals who spend nights on the streets in the winter.

Last year’s walk was also unusually warm, Whyte recalled. It hit 10 C, and Whyte said people were stripping off their coats and dripping with sweat by the end.

“We don’t want people to get overheated,” he added with a laugh.

In Cambridge, Urban Hope Ministries will host their own Coldest Night of the Year Walk. Now in its second year, the walk will support the ministries’ programs for the homeless. It is also falling short of its $50,000 goal, raising only 35 per cent so far.

Ray of Hope’s walk will begin at Cameron Heights Collegiate, 301 Charles St. E., Kitchener. Urban Hope’s walk starts at Urban Hope Centre at 147 Elgin St. N., Cambridge.

Registration for both walks opens at 4 p.m. on Saturday. The walk and meal service ends at 8 p.m. at both locations.

For more information, visit the website at www.canada.cnoy.org.