Source: Posted in the St. Catharines Standard on Jan. 3rd 2025 by Matt Barker.
Start Me Up Niagara’s Coldest Night of the Year campaign is aiming for new heights as the organization has seen an increasing need in the community for more support.
The 12th annual walk will be held Feb. 22, starting at 4 p.m. at St. Catharines Market Square, with a goal of raising $175,000 for programs the organization provides to help people facing poverty, food insecurity and homelessness.
Participants can walk either two or five kilometres through downtown.
“It is the biggest fundraiser of the year we have at Start Me Up Niagara,” said Emily Fieguth, fundraising and events co-ordinator for SMUN.
“It helps support our programs, resources and staff, but each step we take creates the safe space here. It’s a welcoming space for individuals facing poverty and homelessness.”
Danno O’Shea, drummer for My Son the Hurricane, a Niagara-based brass funk band, is the event ambassador.
“We’re thrilled to have Danno alongside us, especially as this year’s theme is Change the Tune,” Fieguth said.
“How perfect to have My Son the Hurricane, who are working on their newest album, be with us.”
The family-friendly event will offer not only resources to learn about the event and organization, said Fieguth.
“We’re going to have some interactive pre-walk initiatives, a craft table for the little ones, we’re thrilled to have the support of our local restaurants,” she said.
Local restaurants will provide hot soups and DJ Nits will host post-walk fun that will include dancing, she said.
On Feb. 8, the Niagara IceDogs hockey team will host a promotion game to raise awareness. It will feature a pass-the-bucket fundraiser and a puck toss to win prizes.
To register for the walk, go to cnoy.org/location/stcatharines.