The Gathering Place, North Bay’s Community Soup Kitchen, is ready to light up the darkness once again. The Bell Canada Coldest Night of the Year will be held, virtually and in person, on February 20.
“There’s no doubt the last year has been incredibly difficult for those we serve,” said Executive Director Dennis Chippa in a release.
“That’s why, with there being some light at the end of the tunnel, it’s important we focus as positively as we can, not just to the people that come to us for support, but all of the community. We think the Coldest Night Celebration is a chance to shine a light, not just on the issues of homeless, hurting and hungry, but to provide a light in the darkness to the community. We all need to know that people care about them, and that we care about each other.”
The Coldest Night event will take on a different look, as staff will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Gathering Place to register teams. North Bay and area residents are encouraged to sign up a team, sponsor a team, or support a team, and then walk two kilometers to support the most vulnerable in our region.
They can walk wherever they want, safely distanced, or take the route starting and finishing with the Gathering Place. Participants are also being encouraged to light it up, with bright clothes, flashlights, neon, to provide that light. Those that can’t walk, can always provide a light of support in their windows on the 20th.
Funds raised will support the Gathering Place’s day-to-day activities, including 16 meals, 12 food outreach locations, food rescue and the community garden, all of which provides support both locally and throughout the district.
For more information, contact us at 705-474-7687, on The Gathering Place Facebook page, or sign up on the Coldest Night of the Year Website.
