TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - On Feb. 23, 2013, 420 walkers helped The Yonge Street Mission raise over $110,000 during the third annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walkathon. The weather was a chilly -1°C as waves of bright yellow CNOY toques, mittens, and scarves filled the streets of downtown Toronto. Walkers were in high-spirits while they froze their butts off for a good cause - raising awareness and funds to support Toronto's homeless population. Spreading the word throughout Toronto on the plight of homeless leading up to CNOY were City, Classical 96.3FM and The New AM740.
The cold weather humbled walkers of all ages as they felt what it was like to be cold for an extended period of time. One supporter, Phil Manzano, stated that "The Walk does more than raise awareness. It puts you in the shoes of people who are less fortunate and gives you an experience to reflect on. That's impact."
The event ended with warm chili and hot drinks from sponsors Daniel et Daniel and Starbucks. It was great to see how the community, step by step, challenged poverty head-on. Leading fundraiser, Steven Moore an employee of title sponsor Manulife Financial, raised over $8,000 and humbly admitted that, "I couldn't imagine being on the streets in this cold" when asked what motivated him.
Thank you to all the walkers, sponsors, captains, volunteers, and donors! You have made a huge difference in the lives of Toronto's homeless and we can't wait to walk with you in 2014!
Image with caption: "Coldest Night of the Year walkers ready to go! (CNW Group/Yonge Street Mission)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130226_C8527_PHOTO_EN_24072.jpg
SOURCE: Yonge Street Mission
For more information on Coldest Night of the Year and The Yonge Street Mission contact Jon Brandt, Mission Development Officer at 416-929-9614 ext. 4281 or [email protected].
www.ysm.ca
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