As Chatham-Kent emerges from its first cold snap of 2025, it’s a fitting time to talk about the Coldest Night of the Year (CNoY).
The annual event, set this year for Feb. 22, is a fundraiser for NeighbourLink. The organization helps Chatham-Kent’s most vulnerable citizens and does not receive regular government funding.
Al Baker, managing director of NeighbourLink said the recent weather illustrates the need.
“The problem (homelessness) has only gotten worse. It can be quite overwhelming when you look at the stats,” he said. “Homelessness has shot up 171 per cent here.”
Hope Haven officials reported that during the deep freeze last week, between 60 and 70 people were using their facilities for overnight stays.
Baker said it was a matter of survival.
“It’s either that (go to Hope Haven), or freeze to death.”
NeighbourLink does what it can to help those in need. And on Feb. 22, the community does what it can to help ensure the organization stays up and running.
“The CNoY funds mostly go to cover rent and general expenses. It’s really the only way we have to keep the lights on,” he said. “You’ve got to have a base and an infrastructure to help address the problem.”
This will mark the ninth year for the event, which sees upwards of 200 people gather and walk either 5K or 2K in fundraising support. This year, the event takes place at Grace Christian Reformed Church on Tweedsmuir Avenue in Chatham. Baker said people will begin gathering around 4 p.m., with the walk starting at 5 p.m.
A chili supper at the church follows the walk.
In 2024, the walk raised just under $70,000. This year’s goal is $80,000.
“Our expenses have shot way up, because of the number of people coming in asking for food cards, plus gas cards for our volunteers,” Baker said. “The frequency for giving out food cards has gone up noticeably.”
To sign up to take part, visit https://cnoy.org/location/chatham-kent
