125 walkers in “Coldest Night of the Year”

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“It’s an amazing feeling to see everyone out there,” she said.

An organizing committee of about eight members helped present last Saturday evening’s Coldest Night of the Year walk in Amherstburg.

Amy Bailey, a member of the House’s board of directors, said she also went through The House as a youth. She said she was able to sort through issues she was going through.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in The House’s numbers dropping in recent years, but Bailey added they are looking to build those numbers back up.

Even though it was founded by Father John Ware in 1971, The House has no religious affiliation and is nondemonenational. Bailey said they still have to educate people about that, and that all youth are welcome.

Bailey added they are trying to reach younger youth so they know the level of programs The House offers.

They offer programs for Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 students as well as tutoring, mental health counselling and LGBTQ+ programs.

The goal of the local Coldest Night of the Year event is $50,000 and people can still donate at www.cnoy.org/location/amherstburg until March 31.

“We’re almost there,” said Shearon.

There was also $14,250 in sponsorships this year, up from $7,500 last year.

Shearon added of the 125 walkers, some did it off-site and weren’t at The House Saturday evening.

The event was based from the Amherstburg Community Hub, where the House is located.