{"id":8588,"date":"2023-12-18T14:45:42","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T18:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bluedoor.ca\/?p=8588"},"modified":"2023-12-19T12:16:32","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T16:16:32","slug":"hockey-helps-the-homeless-raises-270k-for-york-region-charities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bluedoor.ca\/hockey-helps-the-homeless-raises-270k-for-york-region-charities\/","title":{"rendered":"Coldest Night of the Year takes on ‘cold reality’ of homelessness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Posted on: December 17th, 2023. Posted by: NewmarketToday Staff, newmarkettoday.ca, Original Article.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sponsors, walkers needed for Feb. 24 fundraising walk that supports Blue Door and programs, aiming to raise $150,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This winter, individuals experiencing homelessness need the community\u2019s help more than ever. Blue Door programs such as the Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold are experiencing first-hand the ever-present homelessness crisis in York Region. The program opened in October this year, a month earlier than in previous years, and has been operating at full capacity since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While not always visible, York Region\u2019s hidden homeless crisis is real. Recent challenges including the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the escalating cost of living have exacerbated the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Door, York Region\u2019s largest emergency housing provider, works to ensure people experiencing homelessness are not left out in the cold. Entering Canada\u2019s harsh winter, Blue Door\u2019s programs and initiatives work to keep York Region\u2019s most vulnerable safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Door cannot do it alone. With limited funding, your help is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Feb. 24, you can support your community by joining Blue Door\u2019s Coldest Night of the Year<\/a> (CNOY), presented by Home Trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cImagine if the only blanket you had, was the fresh blanket of snow that piled on top of you as you tried to get some sleep. For too many people in York Region, this cold reality is the only one they know.\u201d says Blue Door CEO Michael Braithwaite. \u201cEach year, we come together as a community for the Coldest Night of the Year walk, to march in solidarity in support of those experiencing homelessness, and to raise funds for life-saving Blue Door programs like Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This year, I\u2019m going to start my walk eight hours earlier at the start of Yonge Street and walk over 32 km in the cold, ending with our community walk in an effort to raise $10,000. It\u2019s only one day of discomfort and cold, but it could result in many days off the streets for so many.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways to become involved in the Coldest Night of the Year and support Blue Door\u2019s programs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n