Around 200 residents came together Saturday night for the first annual Coldest Night of the Year event in Bradford West Gwillimbury. The inaugural walk brought in just over $44,000 for United Way Simcoe Muskoka, organized by event coordinator Rosi Martin.
The annual nationwide event has communities take part in a short walk together in support of the local hungry, hurt and homeless.
All the money raised from the Bradford event is going toward the YouthCALL Service Link project, helping youth aged 14-28 who are experiencing difficult challenges in their lives, from food insecurity to suicidal tendencies, and homelessness. The service link started off as face-to-face in-person meetings, but since the onset of COVID has become a hotline where youth are able to speak to a live agent one-on-one, who can refer them to a drop-in location for support.
"Way to go Bradford! I am so overwhelmed and thankful," said Martin.
When Martin first announced the Bradford walk late last fall, her hope was to raise $20,000 with 14 teams. The community shattered that initial fundraising goal three weeks before the walk and had it increased to $40,000.
Two dozen local businesses and 28 volunteers donated their time and talent for the walk.
"Everything you see here from the food to the loot bags, to the balloons, the Instaseflie booth, all these people are donating their time and talents and we are very grateful for that," said Martin.
There were 29 local groups, teams and organizations who stepped up to fundraise and walk together, including the South Simcoe Police, Bradford Volunteer Firefighters, Peter Reali's No Frills, Bradford Storm and Union FC soccer.
In total, walkers raised $44,045 for the cause, with South Simcoe Police team leading the way, raising over $4,800. Not too far behind was Reali's No Frills team, bringing in $4,300.
At 5 p.m. participants gathered at the Leisure Centre for check-in and opening remarks from the mayor and members of Youth Call and United Way, before heading down Holland Street for a 2km or 5km trek.
A sea of yellow could be seen along the route Saturday night. Walkers who raised at least $150 were given a free yellow toque with the CNOY emblem across the front.
"What a great turnout! I'm proud of Bradford," said Mayor Rob Keffer, who was pleased to have the town being part of 165 communities across Canada taking part in the annual walk. "Thank you for bringing this walk to Bradford West Gwillimbury."
The walk may be over, but donations are being collected up until the end of March and can be made on the event website here.
