Orillia has done it again.
The Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser set a goal of $100,000. The community rose to, and above, the challenge, raising $112,394. And there are still a few donations to count.
“I am absolutely amazed and incredibly thankful to this community,” said Linda Goodall, event co-organizer and executive director of the Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter. “The organizing committee is thrilled that we once again crushed our $100,000 goal.”
The total puts Orillia first in Coldest Night of the Year fundraising per capita and fifth overall, behind the larger municipalities of Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, St. Catharines and Ottawa.
“Here’s little Orillia that has shown all of Canada what a small community can do,” Goodall said.
The local event raised more this year than it did in each of the previous four. Last year, $103,000 was raised.
Goodall credited the rising success of Coldest Night of the Year to increased awareness. For example, the Building Hope campaign is in full swing and will eventually lead to the creation a new homeless shelter.
“People have heard about Building Hope and know what our vision is and where we’re going, so I think that definitely helped,” she said.
Participants are spreading the word and bringing friends each year, which also helps.
“It’s become an annual event that people are expecting and looking forward to. Volunteers have already said they’ll sign up for next year,” Goodall said.
The event included almost 500 walkers and more than 100 volunteers. Sponsorship also increased this year.
“I just want to give a huge thank-you to the community for the ongoing support and commitment to the Lighthouse and Building Hope,” Goodall said.
The majority of the money raised will go toward the ongoing operation of the Lighthouse, while the remainder will go to Building Hope.
Next year’s Coldest Night of the Year walk will take place Feb. 23.
Find out more at cnoy.org/orillia.
