Bundled up walkers made their way through the streets of Leamington in the early evening of February 22 raising over $200,000 for the Leamington Community Hope Centre.
With over 200 locations across the country taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year charity walk, the Leamington event had 228 participants comprising 32 teams completing either a 2 km or 5 km route.
“This is the second time that the Hope Centre has taken part in the event and is by far our biggest fundraiser for the year,” said Executive Director Jennifer Hyde. “The funds raised will go towards our drop-in program which provides a hot meal each evening 365 days a year, along with providing hygiene items and warm clothing to those in need.”
Hyde added, “We see over 100 people every evening and try to make a connection so that those seeking recovery from addiction can be helped.”
Walkers gathered inside the Hope Centre prior to the walk and were treated to live music from the duo of Wil and Mathias, while The Giving Spoon warmed participants up after the walk with a light meal.
The team of Leamington Community Hope Centre, captained by Alison Wiebe, was the top fundraiser in the Team category, Mary Fehr and Nora Quiring were tops in the Individual category and Scotiabank led the way in the Challenge Teams category.
“Thrilled with the success of the walk, Hyde said, “Thank you so much to all of our incredible sponsors and the people of Leamington who came together to make such an impact.”
Leah and Wes Dewhurst were participating in the Coldest Night of the Year walk for the first time. Wes said, “We just wanted to support the Hope Centre and all of the great work that they do here.”
SUN photo by Paul Forman
All of the participants gathered for a photo just before heading outside for the walk.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
The duo of Wil and Mathias provided some inspirational music inside the Hope Centre just before the charity walk began.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
