Coldest Night of the Year walks are happening in Tillsonburg and Ingersoll this Saturday.
Oxford residents are being encouraged to take part in the Coldest Night of the Year walks in Tillsonburg and Ingersoll this Saturday, February 28, in support of local housing programs.
The annual fundraiser, organized locally by United Way Oxford, is one of more than 200 walks taking place across Canada that same day.
That was Kelly Gilson, Executive Director of United Way Oxford. She added that participants shouldn’t feel intimidated — they can choose a 2K or 5K route, volunteer, or simply show their support at Lions Auditorium in Tillsonburg or Henderson Hall in Ingersoll.
Gilson emphasized that 100 per cent of the funds raised in each community will stay local.
The same is true for Ingersoll, where all local funds raised will support the Ingersoll Lighthouse. The Lighthouse provides supported housing for up to 364 days for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Gilson emphasized that this is a direct way to make a difference in the community.
“It’s a very complicated issue. There’s no one answer,” Gilson added, noting that homelessness continues to grow locally.
It’s not too late to get involved. Visit cnoy.org, search for either Ingersoll or Tillsonburg, and sign up to participate.
