Dozens of teams walked through London to help raise more than $125,000 for Mission Services of London (MSL) on Saturday evening.
The annual Coldest Night of the Year event is the charity’s signature fundraiser.
“These are vital funds that will go to support nutritious meals, emergency shelter for single men and for families, community mental health programs, addiction treatment for men, poverty alleviation through the emergency voucher program at the mission store,” said Ericka Ayala Ronson, executive director of MSL.
“This is one of the core events that we hold every year to help supplement our funding base.”
Among the dignitaries addressing the walkers was London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos.
“We all recognize that it’s not good enough right now and that first responsibility belongs to elected officials,” said Fragiskatos.
“We’re going to keep working together federal, municipal and provincial representatives to make sure we get this addressed. We know that the answer is housing.”
He thanked MSL for their work over the years and providing shelter.
“But more than that dignity to those who have found themselves in very unfortunate circumstances for reasons beyond their control,” said Fragiskatos.
“We have seen some gains. We’re seeing more housing built, but as I say, there’s much, much more to do. But when I see the community in minus temperatures here in February rally around to come together as you are today in this community and others, I think we’re certainly showing an example, something that has happened in the past with the this walk and that continues here tonight.”
With temperatures well below zero, it was appropriate to hold this event to bring awareness to those who are sleeping unhoused.
“Everybody coming together, that’s why this is a community effort by community, for community,” said Ronson.
“It’s meant to raise not only funds but also awareness and really foster that feeling of togetherness. We are walking along side folks for whom this is reality every day and they don’t have a home to go back to and warm up at the end of the night.”
