Yonge Street Mission Braves The Coldest Night of the Year

TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Yonge Street Mission is taking to the streets on February 25^th, 2012, to participate in The Coldest Night of the Year and raise money for some of Toronto's most vulnerable people.

Star of CTV's The Listener, Ennis Esmer, has signed up as a walker and actors Peter Keleghan and Leah Pinsent will offer encouraging words as the walkers set out.

The Coldest Night of the Year walkathon travels through some of Toronto's poorest neighbourhoods. Participants gain a sense of what life is like for the hungry, the homeless and the hurting who are living on our streets while also raising funds to help make a change. Similar walks will take place in 17 other locations across Canada on the same night.

The Toronto walk will begin and end at Yonge Street Mission's location at Parliament and Gerrard streets. Walkers will receive warm toques and complimentary hot drinks along the 5 or 10K routes, thanks to our event sponsor Starbucks. Post-walk dinner will be provided by sponsor Daniel et Daniel. Media sponsors are Classical 96.3 and AM740.

This year's new goal is $70,000 and we have already raised over $50,000 with 188 walkers registered. Teams include Yonge Street Mission donors, staff, volunteers, community members and sponsors. The walk begins at 5 p.m.

Yonge Street Mission has served the poor in Toronto since 1896, bringing help and hope to people in need.

Jon Unger Brandt, Director of Development
Yonge Street Mission
306 Gerrard St. East
416-929-9614 X4259
www.coldestnightoftheyear.org