Residents who are willing to briefly brave the cold for a good cause are encouraged to suit up for the Coldest Night of the Year.
NeighbourLink Chatham-Kent will be hosting the walk fundraiser for the fourth year in a row on February 22.
"Coldest Night of the Year is actually a larger charity that helps smaller charities all across Canada," said Al Baker, NeighbourLink Network Coordinator. "In a typical charitable fundraising event, you're doing well if you end up keeping 50 per cent, but because of the parent charity, we end up keeping a lot more than 50 per cent."
Baker said this year's goal is to raise $30,000, with funds expected to largely benefit NeighbourLink's operating costs.
"Of course we have other means of income as well but this [fundraiser] is a big chunk," he said. "We have to keep the lights on, we have to keep our volunteers well-fueled so they can drive and of course a lot of [the money] goes to food vouchers for people who are in an emergency food situation."
NeighbourLink Chatham-Kent provides many services to residents throughout the community, ranging from free transportation to medical appointments to offering friendly visits.
The walk will start at the former chapel at Ursuline College Chatham -- also known as "the hub" or "former Pines chapel." Registration will start at 4 p.m. and the walk itself starts at 5:15 p.m.
After a chilly walk around Chatham, Baker said participants can enjoy a warm chili dinner, starting at 6 p.m.
Route and registration details about the walk can be found by clicking here.
