SCUGOG: North House is inviting the Scugog community to help them raise awareness of homelessness in North Durham, and raise funds for them at an event next month.
North House is bringing the Coldest Night of the Year walk event to Port Perry on Saturday, February 22nd. The walk begins at the Port Perry United Church, located at 294 Queen Street. Registration begins at 4 p.m., with the opening ceremonies starting at 5 p.m. The walk starts shortly thereafter.
People can walk either a two, five or ten kilometre route, through downtown Port Perry.
“Port Perry is such a beautiful town. We are really excited about [bringing the event to Port Perry],” North House Executive Director Mona Emond shared. “People can pick whatever route fits their style.”
The 2019 edition of North Durham’s Coldest Night of the Year was held in Uxbridge. Since North House began holding this event in 2014, they have raised around $80,000. This year, North House hopes to raise $20,000.
North House is a charity, based in Uxbridge, which helps people in Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, by providing a number of housing supports.
Ms. Emond explained, despite it not being visible, homelessness is a serious issue in North Durham.
“We are finding our case numbers are increasing. People are struggling,” she said, pointing to a lack of affordable housing and social assistance funds not being enough to afford housing.
North House encourages people to register online to participate, by going to cnoy.org/northdurham. They are also looking for volunteers for the event. Those who would like to volunteer can also register on the same website.
For more information, contact Ms. Emond by phone at 289-640-1929 extension 101.