Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton and River City Vineyard both surpassed their fundraising goals during this year's Coldest Night of the Year campaign.
The respective fundraising walks were held in Sarnia on February 22.
Habitat for Humanity CEO David Waters said the organization's fourth annual walk along Sarnia Bay was "fantastic" and included about 250 walkers and 50 volunteers.
"It was a nice day, a little bit windy down by the water -- I heard from the walkers. The temperature was great, some of them even got a sunset in the background," he said. "As far as money raised and attendees, it's the best year ever."
Waters said donations are still coming in but they'll likely receive about $70,000. The goal was to raise $60,000 for Habitat's build program.
"This [funding] will go towards our Forest builds that are starting this year," he said. "We have five homes on our docket, so to speak, for this year."
Meanwhile, River City Vineyard surpassed its $30,000 goal by raising over $32,000.
"We had 87 walkers sign up online ahead of time but then we also had quite a few come [sign up] in-person too so we probably had a little over 100 walkers there," said Worship Pastor Renee Card. "Lots of new and old faces and it was a really, really good event."
Card said this was their fifth year holding the walk in Mitton Village, the first year was held virtually due to pandemic restrictions.
"This is the third time that we've been able to exceed our fundraising goal so that's really cool to see," she said. "So this money will just go toward continual operational expenses of all the different outreach programs at River City, the homeless shelter, food bank, hygiene shower program, and things of that nature."
The Coldest Night of the Year remains open for online donations.
The annual campaign is held across the country in February to raise money for local charitable organizations and raise awareness about those experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness
