Co-workers, families, service clubs, police, fire and hospital staff, showed up 400-strong, walking to raise money to support those in our community who have the least.
When the day was done, this year’s Coldest Night of the Year walk-a-thon soared past its $75,000 goal, raising a record-breaking $124,000.
With the majority of participants gathering in downtown Port Hope to walk in person on Feb. 26, event chair Philip Redford looked out into the crowd with megaphone in hand, booming, “Thank you Northumberland from the bottom of our hearts!”
Last year, COVID-19 forced the event to go “virtual,” with people walking in their own groups from locations of their choosing.
Overwhelmed by this year’s results, Redford thanked “our amazingly generous community, our incredible sponsors, team captains, walkers and a dedicated team of volunteers. You saw that the need is great and you stepped up to answer the call to help our neighbours. Green Wood Coalition salutes you!”
Executive Director David Sheffield believes the community understands Green Wood’s approach to helping differs from most charity models and service delivery. When its outreach staff meets people they are often in crisis, needing someone to help them navigate the barriers to finding help.
“Rather than defining a person by the issues they face — homeless, disabled or addicted — we see a person with a story that needs to be heard and understood. Listening reveals the strengths and gifts that have carried that person this far,” Sheffield says.
“Human connection is always the beginning and ending point for us, because belonging to a healthy and caring community is the best way to move from crisis to stability.”
Coldest Night of the Year is a national event that raises money in charities’ home communities to help those who are hungry, homeless and hurting. Here in Northumberland County, the money funds Green Wood Coalition’s street outreach and programs for people who struggle with poverty, homelessness, mental health and addiction
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
