(file photo)
To the Editor:
Northumberland, you’re awesome!
Your big heart and bold actions carried this year’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser over the top, doubling our goal and raising more than $100,000 for Green Wood Coalition. In a year like no other, with our in-person event cancelled and each of you walking in your own pandemic bubbles, your support was unshakeable. A record 59 teams, 358 walkers and 1300 donors stood up for the most vulnerable members of our community because you understand, collectively, we can make a difference. This is the power of community compassion!
What does your support mean?
It means, for the moment, we can set fundraising aside and focus wholly on the work that needs doing. We will provide more street outreach, more hours of RedPath Addiction Recovery and more WrapAround life planning, each helping people feel seen and valued.
We will continue to fill the gaps the pandemic has intensified as we did this winter with our day and night warming rooms. Our meal delivery program has expanded to about 100 meals a week, as we check in on folks to break the social isolation and help connect them to the services they need.
And because of the faith you’ve placed in us, we’ll raise our voices louder and push harder for the only meaningful solutions to the inequities the pandemic has laid bare: every person’s right to housing and the basic means to live in dignity.
This overwhelming response means so much to us at Green Wood Coalition, and as Event Director for Coldest Night of the Year in Northumberland, I personally thank you. In reaching out to help those who are Hungry, Hurting and Homeless, you have more than answered the call!
Philip Redford
Event Director
Coldest Night of the Year, Northumberland
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
