Nellie’s first Coldest Night of the Year winter walk was so much more than just about raising money for the women and their children who come to our shelter. It was about community.

“It was one big community love-in,” says Wendy Bray, Senior Development Officer at Nellie’s who organized Nellie’s Coldest Night of the Year walk. “What our community accomplished in this event is transformational for Nellie’s. Our community has taken an important message to the streets.”

On February 22, 2020 as the sun set on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, almost 100 people and over 45 volunteers walked 2, 5 or 10 km or donated their time to raise money for Nellie’s programs and services. Together they raised over $52,000 — surpassing our fundraising goal by 211%! The money raised will support our W.E.A.V. program (Women Experiencing Abuse and Violence), which strives to reach the most marginalized women in our community. This program addresses their unique experiences of trauma, substance use, and mental health issues as they work to rebuild their lives.

“I feel a 10 kilometre walk is nothing compared to what some people have to endure year-round on the streets,” said one walker as he walked with his partner along the route. “I am very happy to help raise awareness for a very good cause. I am new to the East Danforth area and found out about Nellie’s through the Coldest Night of the Year. I want to help a local shelter, and I like the programs that Nellie’s has set up.”

Walkers, both adults and children, and even little ones in strollers, started walking from Ralph Thornton Community Centre on Queen Street East at 5:15 p.m. Walking through our Riverside and Riverdale neighbourhoods, there was laughter, smiles and time to make new friends. Every one of our walkers were ambassadors of positive change, helping to bring awareness to our community of the many women and their children who are fleeing violence at home and struggling to find safe shelter and housing, and who are sometimes forced to choose between paying rent or buying food.

The walk ended back at Ralph Thornton where our tireless walkers were served bowls of hot chili, made fresh in Nellie’s kitchen, and relaxed to the easy vibe music from local band, Miss Grundy.

“Words simply do not express how thankful we are,” says Wendy. “Our hearts are brimming with gratitude for all you have done to make Coldest Night of the Year a huge success. You are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of women and their children who access the services and programs at Nellie’s.”

A great big final thank you to our 20 team captains, 7 sponsors, and 9 goods and services sponsors. We leave the final thoughts of the event, however to what one of our walkers said to Wendy when she ran into her again on Sunday morning …

“I can’t wait to walk again next year!”