Coldest Night of Year Walk for Homeless Supports in Hamilton

The Salvation Army Hamilton Booth Centre is participating again in Coldest Night of the Year on February 25 to raise funds for its Street Ministry program.

Coldest Night of the Year gives participants a glimpse of the struggles faced by those experiencing homelessness as they walk in the cold of winter. This is the fifth year The Salvation Army has taken part in the national fundraiser. The Salvation Army Hamilton Booth Centre’s goal for 2023 is $30,000, and one-third of that has already been donated.

“This important fundraiser immerses people in the experience of homelessness and educates participants on the challenges faced by individuals who are homeless. We are truly grateful to our mission partners and the community for their support of Coldest Night of the Year,” says James Moulton, Executive Director of the Hamilton Booth Centre.

The 2 km or 5 km walk starts at 5 pm at The Salvation Army Community and Family Services at 80 Bay St N, Hamilton and ends at the same location. Check in for the event begins at 4 pm, followed by some opening speeches. Rest and snack stops will line the route and participants can enjoy a hot bowl of delicious soup at the end of the walk.

“There is a lot of excitement this year and that’s reflected in the number of people that have signed up to walk this year compared to the last two years. This is an opportunity to come together in solidarity and support people who are marginalized and people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Hamilton,” says Jonathan Miedema, Regional Director of Spiritual Care for The Salvation Army.

All funds raised on Coldest Night of the Year support Hamilton Booth Centre’s Street Ministry, which provides food, clothing, housing support and spiritual care for vulnerable and at-risk communities in Hamilton. The Outreach Ministry program serves 20,000 hot meals annually to individuals in need.

Gregor Winton is an 18-year veteran Street Ministry driver at Hamilton Booth Centre, where he is part of a team that patrols the community five nights a week to distribute food, clothing, housing resources and spiritual literature. He feels drawn to assisting low-income individuals and those who are struggling with homelessness or addiction.

“I’m built for this. God called me to this 20 years ago. So obviously there’s got to be a calling behind it to support it,” Gregor says. He feels delivered by God to overcome past challenges in his life as he brings that personal experience to people he assists.

Coldest Night of the Year volunteers are needed for route marshals, set up and take down and for serving and welcoming teams. To volunteer, to register a team, donate or sponsor the event please visit  www.cnoy.org/location/hamiltoncitycentre.