The Coldest Night of the Year returns Feb. 25 and organizers hope to raise at least $80,000 for kids in the region who need it.
In its ninth year, the Youth Haven event is a two- or five-kilometre walk through downtown Barrie with participants helping to raise money for those experiencing homelessness.
Youth Haven executive director Lucy Gowers says the organization serves young people aged 16 to 24 and last year hundreds of kids were helped.
“We actually kept 121 kids from sleeping on the streets. Those were the youth who stayed with us through the shelter and supported 29 youth through our transitional housing program,” Gowers told BarrieToday. “We also had over 300 youth access our outreach programs throughout the County of Simcoe.”
Gowers said despite the help they have provided for hundreds of people, they are still forced to turn some away, further highlighting the need for housing in the Barrie area.
“Housing, especially affordable housing, is still an issue for anyone who is a paycheque away from becoming homeless," she said. "But it is more challenging for a youth because they really don't have any financial means and support to be able to access housing.
“We’re hoping to provide them with the basic skills they’ll need to face the world and gain knowledge into how it works.”
Gowers said the walk in the cold is to help people better understand what someone who is experiencing homelessness is living through in the winter.
The walk begins at Barrie City Hall, located at 70 Collier St., and participants are asked to check in at 4 p.m.
For those interested in being part of the event, head to the website by clicking here.
