Media Advisory - Tonight is The Coldest Night of the Year for The Yonge Street Mission

TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2015 /CNW/ -

WHAT:	More than 325 people will brave Toronto's cold streets today, Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 to raise funds for the hungry, homeless and hurting during the Coldest Night of the Year walk for The Yonge Street Mission.
	As well as Toronto, Coldest Night walks are taking place in more than 80 communities across the country to raise money and awareness for this issue.
	Participants can walk either two, five or 10 km while experiencing a hint of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.
	This is the fifth year that The Yonge Street Mission has been the selected Toronto charity. This year, the Mission's goal is $130,000.
WHERE:	Ryerson University
	Kerr Hall West Gymnasium
	379 Victoria St. (Southeast corner of Yonge St. and Gerrard St.)
WHEN:	Saturday Feb. 21, 2015
	4:00 p.m. (Registration) to 8:00 p.m. (Route closes)
	6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Light meal
COOL STORY:	John Fenton, 82, could barely walk last fall due to complications from spinal surgery. Today, he will lead his team The Nordic Kids on an impressive 10 km walk. His team has raised more than $14,000.
QUOTE:	"Our walkers are walking the talk on solving homelessness and hunger in Toronto. The Mission's goal is to work towards ending chronic poverty in Toronto within one generation. Everyone walking tonight is demonstrating that we can do it, acting collectively, one step at a time." Angie Draskovic, President and CEO of The Yonge Street Mission
FACTS:	There are an estimated 5,000 homeless people in Toronto. Each night, there are about 1,500 to 2,000 youth on the streets.

About The Yonge Street Mission
The Yonge Street Mission has worked on the front lines of poverty in Toronto since 1896, assisting as many people as possible to experience full participation in society. The hope, healing, and encouragement that the Mission offers is based solely on individual need, regardless of colour, culture, economic status, gender, religion, sexual orientation or social condition. The Mission supports at-risk people with an intentional focus on nurturing transformation in the lives of individuals and families living with poverty. We build on our successful initiatives to draw people from the margins into the mainstream of stable housing, employment and educational opportunities, and positive social interaction. www.ysm.ca

SOURCE Yonge Street Mission

Sally Ritchie, Manager, Marketing and Communications, 416 929-9614 ext. 4255, 416 807-3086 (Cell), [email protected], www.ysm.ca