Walks will take place in Woodstock, Ingersoll, and Tillsonburg on Saturday, February 28th.
OXFORD – Many people are gearing up to walk the streets of Woodstock, Ingersoll, and Tillsonburg for the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY).
This is a nationwide initiative that supports charities aimed at helping those facing hardship, hunger, and homelessness.
The event in Woodstock has been backing Operation Sharing since its launch five years ago. Shaun Baker is co-directing the Woodstock walk this year and has also served on the Operation Sharing board for a decade. He shared some details about their programs that assist those in need.
“Needs expand and change instead of ebb and flow and Operation Sharing is there for when those needs get highlighted. At the moment, Christmas has ended but we did have The Christmas Place. We also have the shelter in Woodstock, The Sharing Table, just to name a few.”
This year, Woodstock aims to raise $150,000.
Tillsonburg and Ingersoll began hosting their own CNOY walks three years ago to support Lighthouse transition homes managed by United Way Oxford.
The Executive Director of United Way mentioned they’re aiming for $52,000 in Tillsonburg and $48,000 in Ingersoll, totaling $100,000 combined.
“Everything that’s raised and everything that happens-the awareness and enthusiasm-all of it matters across the community. People want to make a difference where they call home for their neighbors; it’s a great chance to get involved.”
The Woodstock event will start/end at College Ave Secondary School; the Tillsonburg walk begins/ends at Lions Auditorium; while Ingersoll’s event starts/ends at Henderson Hall.
All three events will follow the same schedule: check-in begins at 4:00 p. m., opening remarks at 4:45 p. m., send-off at 5:00 p. m., a light meal served at 6:00 p. m., with closing remarks at 7:00 p. m.
Dale Flynn Jr., co-director alongside Baker for the Woodstock event, noted that Pat Mc Mahon from The Mill in Tillsonburg provides meals for all three events.
“It’s not like he just puts together some spread just to do it. I believe last year he did homemade pulled beef on a bun with shredded pickles so it was pretty good! He definitely goes over and above to ensure that not only are people coming out to support our community but they also enjoy a nice meal.”
Scott Mc Kague was instrumental in bringing CNOY to Oxford County when he started the Woodstock walk back in 2020. He’s now helping Baker and Flynn lead the event as he embarks on an exciting new chapter.
“I’m stepping back now not because I want to but because I’ve been hired nationally to help organize Coldest Night of the Year coast-to-coast. So I’m passing the torch here in Woodstock which excites me. I left my career in logistics after 25 years; I’m doing something new! It’s awesome being able to still be involved as much as I can. Thank you Woodstock for making that happen.”
Mc Kague feels great seeing Woodstock currently holding top walker registrations across Canada right now-crediting this success to Baker and Flynn.
“We’re working together bringing back teams from past years while they’ve also breathed fresh life into it by attracting many new teams I wouldn’t have connected with before-it’s really grown.”
If you’re interested in registering or donating for Coldest Night of the Year, you can do so online here regardless if you’re supporting walks in Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg or any other participating community.
Scott Mc Kague, Dale Flynn Jr., Shaun Baker, and Kelly Gilson visited Heart FM studio recently to chat with Dan and Marcie on Tuesday January 13th. You can listen to their full interview below:
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