THUNDER BAY – Hours before the annual Coldest Night of the Year walk was set to begin on Saturday afternoon, organizers said they’re already surpassed their $70,000 fundraising goal.
It had actually topped $80,000 and counting by that point, said Gary Macsemchuk, pastor at Grace Place, host of the event for the past eight years.
It’s never been more important, he said.
“In years past we’d walk for our Out of the Cold program, but this year we’re finding that because of COVID and everything going on, that the finances needed to run Grace Place, to keep the heat and light on just aren’t there,” Macsemchuk said.
“We’re walking for that, for support of our day programs, our community meal programs and our overnight program is what we’re walking for this year.”
Nearly 300 walkers took part.
That’s incredible, Macsemchuk said.
“We were overwhelmed with the response this year. We have never surpassed our goal before the walk began. The citizens of Thunder Bay are behind us to help the homeless and the hurting in Thunder Bay. The people of Thunder Bay have huge, generous hearts.”
Among the walkers taking part in the event, spread out over staggered starts to keep numbers manageable with COVID restrictions still in place, was at-large Coun. Peng You.
You, who helped raise $450 through his Tai Chi class, said it’s a caring community that loves to give back. He’s no different.
“This community, we look out for everyone,” he said.
Homelessness is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
“It’s not getting better, it’s getting worse,” You said.
“We have to work together. We have no choice – governments, individuals, neighbourhoods – we all have to work together. We have to eliminate it. We’re such a rich country in Canada, we shouldn’t have this kind of situation, so let’s fight together.”
