The Coldest Night of the Year might end up being a bit milder than normal this time around.
The fundraising walk to support the "hungry, homeless, and hurting" -- which is taking place in communities across Canada -- is coming to Chatham-Kent for the first time this afternoon.
The majority of the funds that are raised locally at this year's event are going to NeighbourLink Chatham-Kent.
Neighbourlink C-K Network Coordinator Al Baker says the walk takes place in the dead of winter because that's an especially difficult time for people who are struggling with finances and/or finding shelter.
"You could run it in the summer, but it wouldn't have nearly the same impact, so they run it in the wintertime when it's very cold," says Baker. "Just so people can get the idea and identify with people who have nowhere to go."
Baker says 70% of the money that's raised from the event stays in the local community -- the rest goes to the Coldest Night of the Year charity.
"It's well worth it because they do a lot for us -- they look after everything," says Baker. "Whether it's the posters, they process all the tax receipts, all that financial charity stuff that needs to be done... I'm more than willing to let them have 30% of what we raise."
Even if you don't have any pledges and you still want to come out, walk-ons are welcome to participate.
Baker says people who show up the day of and haven't raised any extra money can still take part by paying a $25 registration fee.
Registration for the walk starts at 4pm Saturday at the former Pines Chapel at UCC, now called The Hub.
Between 6pm and 8pm a warm, light meal will be served to all walkers and volunteers.
You can find more details on the event by clicking here.