United Way Bruce Grey is thrilled to announce the successful allocation of funds from the recent Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) events in Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Meaford, and Grey Highlands. These contributions mark a significant step towards addressing pressing community needs, with amazing outcomes already unfolding.

Saugeen Shores Highlights:

• Location: Coulter Parkette (583 Green St, Port Elgin)
• Participants: 222 walkers and volunteers
• Total Raised: $50,578 (Exceeding Goal of $50,000)
• Partner: Port Elgin Rotary Club
• Impact:
  • Port Elgin Rotary Club’s donation of $3,000 to United Housing for All (UHFA) bolsters efforts in tackling homelessness and affordable housing initiatives in Saugeen Shores. This contribution went to YMCA Rural Housing & Homelessness Outreach, actively preventing and reducing homelessness in Bruce County.
  • Further fortifying community support, Port Elgin Rotary Club allocated $31,387.51 to United Way Bruce Grey, empowering Saugeen Shores residents to access essential programs such as Utility Assistance, Financial Literacy, The Backpack Program and grant initiatives benefiting Saugeen Shores and beyond.
• Monetary Sponsors: Trinity Tiny Homes and Ewyn Weight Loss Studios Port Elgin

Kincardine Highlights:

• Location: Kincardine Legion (219 Lambton St.)
• Participants: 118 walkers and volunteers
• Total Raised: $27,776 (Surpassing Goal of $25,000)
• Partner: Kincardine Good Food Box Neighbour to Neighbour Program
• Impact:
  • A contribution of $8,700 to the Kincardine Good Food Box Neighbour to Neighbour Program translates to 395 boxes of nutritious produce reaching struggling households.
  • Additionally, $8,686.25 supports vital programs facilitated by United Way Bruce Grey, including Financial Literacy, Utility Assistance, and The Backpack Program, alongside grants benefiting the broader Grey Bruce community.

Meaford Highlights:

• Location: The Rotary House (34 Trowbridge St W, Meaford)
• Participants: 102 walkers and volunteers
• Total Raised: $20,125 (Exceeding Goal of $20,000)
• Partner: Meaford Rotary Club
• Impact:
  • Meaford Rotary Club’s $7,000 contribution ensures the continued operation of the Rotary House, a vital resource for partners and the wider community.
  • Supporting a range of crucial initiatives, $6,300.63 aids United Way Bruce Grey’s programs such as Financial Literacy, Supportive Outreach Services (SOS), Utility Assistance, and The Backpack Program, alongside broader grant support.

Grey Highlands Highlights:

• Location: South East Grey Community Health Centre (55 Victoria Ave, Markdale)
• Participants: 85 walkers and volunteers
• Total Raised: $15,779 (Progress Towards Goal of $20,000)
• Partner: South East Grey Community Health Centre (SEGCHC)
• Impact:
  • SEGCHC’s $5,000 allocation directly addresses the needs of low-income and precariously housed individuals across Grey Highlands, Southgate, Chatsworth, and West Grey.
  • An additional $4,937.25 empowers United Way Bruce Grey to sustain essential programs and grant initiatives benefiting Grey Highlands and beyond.

The United Way Bruce Grey extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers involved in all of the Coldest Night of the Year events across Bruce Grey. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our neighbours who could be experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Mark your calendars for the next CNOY walk on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025.