The Downtown Mission is relying more than ever on the community as it gears up for its biggest fundraising event of the year.
The annual Coldest Night of the Year event is set for this Saturday, February 22.
Mission Executive Director Rukshini Gonniah-Poulin said the need is more acute than ever.
"When someone comes to us seeking shelter, we know that they are desperate," said Ponniah-Goulin. "They don’t have the luxury of time. They don’t have the luxury of choosing between a warm meal or a safe place to sleep. Every single night, we wonder if we’ll have enough resources to help everyone who walks through our doors. That’s the reality we face every day."
It has been a cold winter so far in Windsor this year, and that means an increase in demand for shelter at the Mission, which estimates that about 130 people turn up each night. Some end up sleeping on crash mats, on the dining hall floor, or even anxiously waiting for a bed that may not be available.
The fundraiser has a goal of $110,000 this year. As of Friday night, over $72,700 had been pledged, about two-thirds of the goal.
The Coldest Night of the Year begins and ends at the Mission, located at 875 Ouellette Avenue. Check-in opens at 4 p.m., with the walk beginning at 5 p.m. A light meal will be served after the walk starting at 6 p.m.
Complete information on the walk and on donating can be found on the event's official website.
