Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) is very excited to announce their annual fundraising event, Coldest Night of The Year.
On February 25, 2023, hundreds of Niagara residents of all ages will walk in support of SMUN in the fight to end homelessness. Coldest Night of The Year is a family friendly walk intended to raise money for local charities working with individuals experiencing hunger, hurt and homelessness. This event is a moment each year, when individuals step outside the warmth and comfort of their homes to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. Start Me Up Niagara is proud to say that they have been part of this event for the past 11 years.
In support of SMUN’s work, walkers raise funds, individually or as part of a team leading up to event day. All are invited to participate by fundraising and raising awareness throughout the month of February by walking either 2km or 5km. Those choosing to participate on the day of the event (in-person) will gather at Market Square on King Street in St. Catharines, setting out to walk at 5:00 pm, a 2 km or 5 km predetermined route. All participants, whether walking independently in their neighbourhoods or as a participant of our Market Square event, are encouraged to stay engaged by posting photos online at www.smun.ca or emailing them to us at cnoy@startmeupniagara.ca .
This year, SMUN is fortunate to have Dan Giancola attend the event as Grand Marshal and conduct a warm-up prior to our walk. Dan is the proud owner of BTO Performance and a former CFL player with 2 Grey Cup wins over the span of his career. Dan has overcome manyobstacles in life but his positive attitude, kindness and determination have made him a symbol of success and perseverance. “I am humbled to be part of such an amazing event that brings community together to help those less fortunate than ourselves. This is a great event and I’m looking forward to warming the crowd up before the walk begins.”
Walkers are invited to finish off their walk returning to the Market Square for a Chili and Chocolate celebration. Dan Giancola and Ice Dog’smascot, Bones, and Niagara River Lions mascot, Dunkin, will all be on hand for pictures and MOVE 105.7 will be broadcasting at the event. Laura Dumas, Executive Director of SMUN says, “We are so grateful to our sponsors, walkers, donors, community partners and volunteers for making this walk possible. It has such a great impact on our community and has the potential to bring us together for a common goal – to help those less fortunate in our community. On February 25th, we walk together so no one has to walk alone.”
Start Me Up Niagara was established in 2000 and offers services to support people facing significant challenges such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disabilities, compromised mental health and substance abuse issues. Our goal is to provide opportunities for all individuals and help to increase their level of self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life.
