The House Youth Centre is planning for its biggest fundraiser of the year.
The House is one of the locations across Canada that hold official “Coldest Night of the Year” walks.
The Amherstburg walk will be Feb. 22 with 2K and 5K walks around the town’s downtown core.
This is the fifth Coldest Night of the Year the House has been a part of. Opening remarks are scheduled for 4:45 p.m. with the send-off being at 5 p.m.
The House is trying to top the $36,000 raised in 2024 and have established a goal of $50,000 for 2025. The walk is based behind the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St., where The House is located.
Amy Bailey, a member of the fundraising committee, said the walk is “growing every day.” As of Jan. 20, there were 13 teams and 45 walkers registered. Bailey said more are expected as many sign up closer to the walk.
(UPDATE: As of Jan. 29 at 3 p.m., there were 17 teams and 64 walkers.)
“Shooters is our lead sponsor once again,” said Bailey.
Overall, The House has secured over $6,000 in sponsorships thus far. They are grateful for who they have and are going after more. Rivertown Dental and Gibb Insurance are rest stop sponsors while Plumbing Now, KPMG and Remax have signed up to be route sponsors.
The Amherstburg Firefighters Association will be there that night as well, as they are preparing and serving chili that will be served to the walkers.
“It’s a big year for us,” said Bailey. “We’re trying to get as many teams as possible.”
A challenge is getting new people engaged and wanting to participate but Bailey pointed out it is easy to register online. She said the community comes together well and groups within Amherstburg need to work together to help each other out.
Sites are chosen for Coldest Night of the Year events if they work with people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. The House was selected as they are viewed as a “preventative measure” in assisting people who may go down that route.
Morghan Shearon, program director with The House, said Amherstburg is one of 230 locations in Canada that has a Coldest Night of the Year event. She said The House attracts youth from as far as Windsor and LaSalle for its services.
John Bondy, representing the Amherstburg Firefighters Association, said they want to do something for the community and “firefighters and chili go hand-in-hand.” He said new fire chief Michael Mio is supportive of their efforts.
“It’s good to be able to give back and assist our community,” said Bondy.
A “So Cold Social” is planned for Feb. 7 at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. from 5:30-8 p.m. so teams can gather and have fun in advance of the event.
Volunteer director Tyler Cluney added people who wish to volunteer can do so at www.cnoy.org/volunteer.
Cluney added a volunteer orientation will be Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at The House.
For more information or to register a team, visit www.cnoy.org/amherstburg. For further information on The House, visit www.thehouseyouthcentre.com.
By Ron Giofu
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