No matter what the thermometer says Saturday evening, it will be the most frigid night of the winter.
Earlier this week, the City of Orillia proclaimed Saturday, officially, as the Coldest Night of the Year.
Coun. Jay Fallis was on hand to read the proclamation before the Coldest Night of the Year flag was raised downtown, in front of the Orillia Opera House.
The Coldest Night of the Year is an event that will warm the hearts of many - it’s an annual walk that raises money, in Orillia, for The Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter.
It’s part of a national campaign aimed at increasing awareness about homelessness and raising money to support the efforts, locally, to combat the issue.
Last year, local organizers set a goal of raising $100,000 and amassed more than $112,000. This year’s goal is $110,000.
More than 500 walkers and 100 volunteers participated in the 2018 event. Organizers are looking for the same number of volunteers, and they’re hoping to get at least 60 teams of walkers for this year’s event.
Saturday’s event will start at Lions Oval Public School, with registration beginning at 4 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 5, and then the walk, which will take participants to the Lighthouse and the future home of the shelter on Queen Street.
There will be refreshments along the way, and chili and soup will be served upon the return to Lions Oval.
The money will be used to fund the ongoing operations at the Peter Street shelter, but some of this year’s donations will also go toward Building Hope, the campaign to build a new, bigger facility on Queen Street.
The Lighthouse serves up to 25,000 meals per year and has 14 beds.
To register a team, or to sign up to volunteer, visit cnoy.org/orillia.
