Supporters of the Orillia Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter are gearing up to participate in the eighth annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk this Saturday, Feb. 20.
This year’s edition is a virtual event in which individuals will be challenged to raise money for the Lighthouse while walking two to five kilometres with their families or with people in their social bubbles.
To help spread awareness and raise money, long-time CNOY and Lighthouse supporter and volunteer Julia Achilles will be running 50 kilometres over a 24-hour period.
“I am a runner, but I’ve never done a full marathon, just a few halves, so this will be a push for me, but it allows me to use something I love to do to help a good cause,” Achilles said.
By setting such a lofty goal, Achilles is hopeful she can inspire community members to get behind her and support the cause that is dear to her.
“I thought that by setting a goal it might encourage more people to get involved and support,” she said.
It's worked. She has raised $2,125 to date, which more than doubled her original goal of $1,000.
“I was blown away by how supportive the community has been,” she said.
Running alongside Achilles on Saturday for portions of her long run will be her husband and children. Some of Achilles’s friends have also committed to running a kilometre on Saturday in the spirit of her goal.
Lynn Thomas, a CNOY organizer and Lighthouse development coordinator, says efforts like Achilles are crucial for the event’s success.
“These sorts of things spur the community on and ignite spirit and inspire people to find creative ways to get out there and spread awareness for people who are experiencing homelessness,” she said.
Thomas says other individuals, groups, and families are getting into the spirit of the event despite the physical in-person festivities being put on hold.
“There is a family who has made CNOY cookies with messages on them," she said. "We have a senior lady who has given out a special invitation to her neighbours to walk together and then stop by her driveway for a hot chocolate. We have kids creating snowflakes to help promote the event ... people are really embracing the virtual event this year in new ways,” she explained.
“There has been a lot of enthusiasm generated around the event because people are looking for things to do, and things to be involved in, and this gives them the opportunity to do that," said Thomas.
Already 63 teams and 305 walkers have signed up for Saturday’s CNOY. As of Tuesday, more than $113,449, or 83% of the $135,000 fundraising goal, had been raised.
“We are doing very well. Our community has really stepped up,” Thomas said.
“Our community is quite astounding. The way that this event has grown over the years is a testament as to how our community comes together and cares for each other.”
There is still time for individuals or groups to sign up to walk in Saturday's event. Those looking to register or donate can do so here.
