The Coldest Night of the Year

On Feb. 20, Missions Services of London is hosting the Coldest Night of the Year for the fifth year in a row. It is a national, non-competitive, winter walk to raise awareness and funds for the hungry, homeless and hurting in the London area.

“This event is to get people outside and walking, trying to think about what it would be like if they didn’t have a home to go to that night. It gets people to be grateful for what they have and how people can help others who are not as fortunate,” said Connie Spuria, communications and PR manager for Mission Services. Spuria is also on the organizing committee for the event.

Registration for the event will be at 4 p.m. at Catholic Central High School located at 450 Dundas St. The actual walk will start at 5 p.m.

Walkers can choose a two, five, or 10-kilometre path with maps provided.

According to Spuria, no matter the distance it is an enjoyable walk for people of all ages.

“It is a fun walk, we worked really hard to make sure that there are things that people enjoy, there is entertainment and there is chili [at the school] once people end their walk.”

And specifically for students, this is an event and an organization that can benefit you future.

“It is a good event for students to come to if they have been thinking of coming to volunteer for us or are thinking down the road they might want to do a placement or apply for a job.”

And for Fanshawe Social Service Worker alumna, Ashley Sweep, her placement and volunteering with Missions Services turned into employment.

Sweep is now the relief worker for Mission Services’ Crash Bed Program.

“[It’s important to] get involved, not all Fanshawe students are from London. [With events like this] you can see the sense of the community, everyone coming together to support one thing,” Sweep said.

She emphasized the importance of finding organizations or events around the city that interest you and allow you to find your passion. Sweep was interested in helping the homeless and mental health and found an opportunity with the Mission Services.

“I am now currently employed at the place I volunteered and did my student placement in.”

But other than opportunities for your future, both Sweep and Spuria say events like this help you understand homelessness from a different perspective.

“While you are walking, you see different community organizations, you see these other social services agencies or other community supports, it gives you a different perspective because you see how far [homeless people] have to walk from shelter to shelter,” Sweep said. “On your walk, you see these parks and say to yourself, ‘that could be an option of where they are going to sleep tonight’.”

So far Mission Services have raised 38 per cent of their $60,000 goal with 138 walkers signed up.

To start a team, join a team or pledge a team, visit cnoy.org/London.