Hundreds gathered in the Festival Theatre parking lot in Stratford Saturday to support the most vulnerable in the community before embarking on a chilly walk.
Coldest Night of the Year has raised $218,398 so far, for United Way Perth Huron’s Stratford Connection Centre and Shelterlink Youth Services.
Funds support local services helping vulnerable people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness in the community.
There were two other walks in the region – in North Perth and St.Marys and many more held across the nation.
Ritsma spoke to the history of the fundraiser and it’s humble beginnings with Bethel Church in the mid 90s. Then to it’s partnership with United Way in 2015, evolving to what it is now.
“And here we are today, surpassing our goal of $200,000. I want to thank the citizens of Stratford for two things, your generosity and your compassion for the must vulnerable in our community.”
To learn more, visit cnoy.org.
