The Coldest Night of the Year is getting ready for something new.
Last year’s event was held just before the pandemic on February 22nd, 2020. Now, this year’s event will be virtual.
Plans are still being figured out as to how the event will look. One thing is for certain, says the Executive Director for Milton Transitional Housing, Donna Danielli: they weren’t going to cancel the event.
Virtual events became the norm last summer, with many local charities and organizations making use of them. The Townsend Smith Hospice Foundation held a virtual version of its Hike for Hospice and managed to quadruple its goal. Halton Women’s Place held a virtual Hope in High Heels event that saw it raise over $160,000.
Participants this year will not be gathering at the Milton Sports Centre like past years. This year, you are asked to gather in your at-home bubble and go for a 2-5km walk in your neighbourhood.
The fundraising goal for Milton Transitional Housing last year was $50,000. They managed to surpass that and then some. While the pandemic adds a new factor to fundraising, MTH has raised their goal to $70,000 with hopes that the Milton community will come out and support. The money will go towards the work that MTH does in helping people and families who are homeless or at-risk of being homeless. Danielli is asking you to think of those that are struggling during these hard times.
She adds that a silver lining in the virtual event is that participants no longer need to be in town for the day. She says that if you had always wanted to take part and never could due to timing issues, it’s now a lot easier for you.
At the time of writing, the Coldest of the Year Milton event has raised $62,570, roughly 89% of its goal. There are 32 teams, totalling up to 186 walkers. You can register here to take part, as well as donate directly if that is more your speed. The event is taking place on Saturday, February 20th.
