CNOY Returns to Ingersoll and Tillsonburg

Thursday, 9 January 2025 07:20

Photo Credit: United Way Oxford Facebook page

United Way Oxford would like to raise $60,000 from each walk.

TILLSONBURG/INGERSOLL - It's pretty cold outside right now, but it's not the Coldest Night of the Year quite yet.

The annual fundraiser will be taking place on Saturday February 22nd with events taking place across the country to support people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

Kelly Gilson, the Executive Director of United Way Oxford, says the money raised in Tillsonburg and Ingersoll will be going to United Way to support transitional homes in their respective communities.

"We have in Tillsonburg, our transitional house The Lighthouse which we have been running for almost two years now. We're super excited to announce that early in this year, we will be opening an Ingersoll Lighthouse as well. We're committed to supporting housing, social supports, and the wrap around services to help people get on their feet and move to a better future."

She adds United Way Oxford puts a lot of money into these facilities.

"United Way covers all of the operating costs from the mortgage all of the way through to the utilities, the internet, lawn maintence, and also the staffing. What's really important in a transition house, is to have that wrap around service to help people in whatever ways they need."

United Way would like to raise $60,000 from each event this year. As of 7:00 a.m. today, the Ingersoll event had raised $11,715 and the Tillsonburg event had raised $7,265. You can click here to register for Tillsonburg or click here to register for Ingersoll.

Those who participate in Tillsonburg will gather at the Lions Auditorium, while those in Ingersoll will gather at the Fusion Youth Centre. Check in will begin at 4:00 p.m., there will be opening remarks at 4:45 p.m., and the official send off at 5:00 p.m.

The participants will take place in a 2K or a 5K walk before they return to their start location. The Mill will provide a light meal at both locations for 6:00 p.m. and everything should wrap up by 7:00 p.m.

Another Coldest Night of the Year Walk will be taking place in Woodstock that evening, with all of the proceeds going to Operation Sharing. You can read more about that event online here.