2022 Coldest Night of the Year walk in Sarnia. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton) 2022 Coldest Night of the Year walk in Sarnia. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton)
Sarnia

Local organizations gear up for Coldest Night of the Year

Residents will once again brave the cold for a cause during the annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walks.

The nation-wide campaign supports charitable organizations and allows participants to gain a better understanding of what it's like to be out on the streets during the winter months.

One of the local organizations to benefit from CNOY this year is Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton.

"We're expecting to have in excess of 200 walkers. Children are welcome so it's sort of a family-friendly event," said CEO David Waters.

CNOY will take place on February 25. Participants can choose to walk a two or five kilometre route.

Habitat for Humanity's official fundraising goal is $40,000 but Waters said with this being their second annual CNOY walk, they would like to raise as much as last year, which was nearly $60,000.

Funds raised will support Habitat for Humanity's build projects, as two homes are expected to be built in Sarnia later this year on Emma Street.

"We're going to build one semi-detached for two families. They're going to be bigger homes, five-bedroom homes," Waters said. "We're excited, we're always grateful that we can house more families in Sarnia-Lambton."

Habitat's fundraising walk will be held along Sarnia Bay. The walk will begin and end at Polish Hall on Exmouth Street.

Those who raise $150 will get a CNOY toque, youth only need to raise $75.

Waters said participants can register their teams online. Those hoping to get a toque are encouraged to register at least a week in advance, however, he said last year, walkers signed up shortly before the event took place.

Those sponsoring Habitat for Humanity's walk include Finch Lincoln, Smith Funeral Home and Family Centre, Bluewater Home Hardware, and Carpenters Union Local 1256.

River City Vineyard will also be holding a CNOY walk with a goal of raising $50,000.

Money raised will go toward their shelter expansion and associated costs.

The walk in Mitton Village will start and finish at River City Vineyard, located at the intersection of Mitton Street North and Maria Street.

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