Coldest Night of the Year preparations underway in Timmins

An annual fundraising initiative called the Coldest Night of the Year is returning to Timmins, here is what you need to know.

Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins will host the eighth annual Coldest Night of the Year event Feb. 22.

“We’re still looking for corporate sponsors so if any agency … somebody who owns a business and wants to sponsor, we’re still accepting sponsorships,” said Kelsey MacDonnell.

“People can still sign up and start fundraising for the walk -- 11 days can be a lot of time to ask some family and friends for donations and we’re also looking for volunteers.”

The event begins at 3:30 p.m. with information booths and music, followed by a two-kilometre or five-kilometre walk at 5 p.m.

Afterward, participants are invited to gather for a hot meal. The Coldest Night of the Year event is the Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins’ biggest fundraiser. Money raised from the event supports all of the organization’s programs, including The Good Food Box.

“This year we’ll be launching the new kitchen ... so we’re hoping in the next couple of weeks we get some green lights and we’re able to make that proper announcement, but it’ll help towards programming in our commercial teaching kitchen,” said MacDonnell.

Coldest Night of the Year takes place in 150 locations, including municipalities in our viewing area. The fundraising target in Timmins is $65,000.