Nearly 300 participants and 59 teams helped raise more than $101,000 for Youth Haven’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk in Barrie, which took place on Saturday, February 25, 2023, and the first one since 2020 that was in-person because of the pandemic.

The amount raised was record-breaking for what is Youth Haven’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Participants were able to choose a 2 km or 5 km walk through the downtown.

Youth Haven is Simcoe County’s only shelter for youth aged 16 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

Funds from CNOY are used to provide emergency shelter, a transitional housing program, advocacy, educational support, employment resources and outreach services.

“The money is also used to provide meals to well over two dozen youth each day,” said executive director Lucy Gowers. “The staff, the board of directors and I are humbled by the support from the community.”

Gowers said it is uplifting and inspiring.

“People of all ages came together today because they wanted to make a significant and positive difference in the lives of others.”