On February 20, 2021, the Niagara College Knight Walkers faced the winter chill head-on to raise funds and awareness for the Open Arms Mission of Welland through the Coldest Night of the Year event.
Lead by Niagara College hairstyling professor, Joe Abbruscato, the Niagara College Knight Walkers raised a total of $16,090 through a collection of fundraising efforts. One Knight Walker in particular, Lisa Passero, faculty member for the School of Trades, raised more than $10,000 for the cause.
Another member of the team, Joanne Sutherland, academic business manager, Media, Trades and Technology pledged to buzz her hair if she raised $2,500. Thanks to the generosity of Joanne’s friends, family, colleagues and community, she exceeded her goal and is now sporting a much shorter ‘do’.
“While this year’s Coldest Night of the Year walk looked different due to COVID restrictions, I am so proud of the Niagara College Knight Walkers and our community members for coming together for this great cause,” said Abbruscato.
“Thank you again to everyone who raised funds or donated to the cause and a special thank you to president Sean Kennedy for his leadership and his support for this great community event.”
The Coldest Night of the Year is a covid-safe, family-friendly walk held annually to raise money for charities serving people experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $33,500,000 in 149 communities across Canada.
