By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Every February since 2011, tens of thousands of Canadians brave the cold winter weather to raise awareness for those experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness in the “Coldest Night of the Year” walking event. This national campaign helps raise funds for local non-profit organizations across Canada. Community residents participate by completing a 2 km–5 km walk and encourage others to join by forming teams.
Burlington’s local charity, Open Doors at St. Christopher’s Church, has hosted the Coldest Night of the Year event for the past eleven years, building a strong and supportive community in the process.
“It’s always a really spirited event from the minute you walk in the door. Anyone who has done it in the past is very welcoming, encouraging new participants to join in. It’s a family-friendly fundraising walk,” said Shannon Shuell, operations coordinator of Open Doors at St. Christopher’s. “This year, we have 21 teams walking — approximately 110 walkers. All of them have raised a phenomenal amount of money. We’re currently at 84% of our goal of $50,000 with just eight days to go.”
Open Doors at St. Christopher’s is a volunteer-run community outreach organization that provides various family support services, including food and clothing programs, to those in need. Their motto is, “Every person has a seat at the table.”
“We offer food bank services, two hot meals a week, and a clothing store, all free of charge,” said Shuell. Funds raised during their month-long fundraising campaign, culminating in the Coldest Night of the Year event, directly support Open Doors’ programs.
With the significant rise in the cost of essential goods and services such as food, housing, transportation, and utilities across Canada, more families are struggling to make ends meet.
“We’re seeing a lot more families where even both parents are working, yet they still can’t cover their basic needs,” Shuell explained.
She acknowledged the growing food insecurity crisis and how it has impacted their ability to serve the Halton community. “We used to service all of Halton, but due to the increasing demand, we had to limit our services to Burlington. We simply couldn’t keep up.”
Last year, Food Banks Canada recorded over two million visits — a staggering 90% increase since March 2019.
“It’s heartbreaking when you’re helping a family at the food bank and have to say, ‘I’m sorry, we don’t have that to provide for you today,’ especially when it’s something as basic as a carton of eggs. These funds we’re raising will help us continue our programs and the important work we do,” she added.
For those unable to attend the main event, the option to “walk offsite” allows fundraisers to self-organize and participate individually or with friends and family, walking any day in February along a route of their choosing.
The Coldest Night of the Year event takes place on Saturday, February 22, at 4 p.m. at Open Doors, 662 Guelph Line.
Schuell encourages anyone who hasn’t participated before to take part in the festivities. “Come on out, do the walk, and enjoy a fun time!” Open Doors volunteers will provide rest stops along the route, offering attendees a chance to take a break and enjoy snacks. At the end of the walk, participants will be welcomed with a light meal before heading home for the night.
For more information on the Coldest Night of the Year at Open Doors, visit: https://cnoy.org/location/burlingtonsouth.
For additional details on how to support the work at Open Doors, visit their website: https://opendoorscommunity.ca/.
