More than $130,000 raised in Bruce-Grey Coldest Night of the Year events

Feb. 22 may have brought record-low temperatures and snowy conditions — the coldest Coldest Night of the Year on record for Bruce and Grey counties — but it also sparked one of the warmest outpourings of compassion across the region.

While extreme weather forced the cancellation of the planned five-kilometre walk, the two-kilometre walk did proceed in all four communities: Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, Meaford, and Grey Highlands, raising $131,405 in support of neighbours facing homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty.

HOW THE FUNDS ARE MAKING AN IMPACT

Proceeds from the event are distributed by the United Way of Bruce Grey with grants to supporting organizations in the four municipalities.

United Way of Bruce Grey is funding these Bruce-Grey-wide programs:
 

• The Utility Assistance Program, which helps prevent heat and hydro disconnections
• The Financial Literacy Program, guiding residents through difficult financial situations
• 211 Information and Referral Services, linking people to local housing, mental health, and social supports
• The Outreach Fund, providing direct, emergency support to individuals who are unhoused or deeply marginalized
• The Backpack Program, giving kids the tools they need for a strong start at school

Kincardine - 148 participants raised $37,319 through a passionate collaboration with the Good Food Box Neighbour-to-Neighbour Initiative. Hosted at the Kincardine Legion, the event was backed by Bruce Power, the Power Workers’ Union, Tim Hortons, and others.

These funds are supporting the purchase of 471 boxes of fresh produce for community members.

“We are thrilled with the community’s response,” said Shirley Steele, one of the program’s co-ordinators. “These funds will help us provide real, practical support — nutritious food in people’s kitchens, at a time when costs are rising and needs are growing.”

Saugeen Shores - 229 walkers and volunteers raised an astounding $60,374 with supporting organization Southampton Rotary Club. Hosted at Rotary Hall, the event featured support from community champions, including Bruce Power, the Powers Workers’ Union, Bruce County Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center, The Queens, Chantry Senior's Centre, Tim Hortons, Vanderwerf’s Your Independent Grocer, and others.

Funds are being used to expand local food and housing programs via the Rotary Club.

“With more than 600 people waiting for affordable housing and our food bank usage doubling, our community stepped up to help those in need,” said June Van Bastelaar, event co-ordinator.

"We’re actively exploring new investments in emergency housing, food bank access, and mental health supports,” said Tony Sheard, Rotary Club president.

Meaford - 105 walkers and volunteers raised $19,387 with the support of the Meaford Rotary Club. The walk began at The Rotary House, a hub for essential community services including counselling, food access, and outreach.

Thanks to generous sponsors, Bruce Power, The Dam Pub, Jake’s Grab and Go, Godard’s Independent Grocer, Believers Coffee, and others, the funds will continue to fuel services that meet people where they are.

The Rotary Club will fund the Meaford Rotary House Outreach Room, which hosts:
 

• Trauma-informed counselling for women
• Foot care for seniors
• Registered nursing
• Victim Services Bruce Grey
• Drop-in support for people facing multiple barriers

Grey Highlands - 49 walkers and volunteers gathered at the South East Grey Community Health Centre in Markdale, raising $14,415. Local sponsorship came from Bruce Power and D.C. Creations, helping to create a heartfelt day of impact.

Funds raised will help the centre continue its local produce distribution, through the Good Food Box and wellness programming.

“This year’s Coldest Night of the Year showed us something powerful — compassion doesn't freeze,” said Kristy Andrew, fund-raising champion at the United Way of Bruce Grey. “When the cold, snowy weather forced us to pause the five-kilometre walk, our communities still moved forward. These funds will help us support those who are unhoused, in crisis, and often forgotten. Thank you for walking with us, in every sense of the word.”



Francesca Dobbyn (centre) and Kristy Andre (third from right) of the United Way of Bruce Grey, present a cheque for part of the proceeds raised at Kincardine’s Coldest Night of the Year event, held in February; accepting the funds, are Wendy Cox (left) and Shirley Steele (second from right), co-ordinators of the Kincardine Good Food Box program, and their fellow event organizers Gord Thompson (second from left) and Linda Bowers