The numbers are in and the winners are the people who turn to Opens Arms Mission of Welland for support.
Thanks to the 239 walkers, 31 teams and 43 volunteers who participated in Coldest Night of the Year at the Welland Campus, Feb. 24, more than $91,000 was raised for OAM. The Niagara College Knight Walkers raised in excess of $7,655 alone.
The two-kilometre route encircled the Welland Campus.
Coldest Night of the Year is two- or five-kilometre fundraising walk that raises money for charity partners across Canada that serve people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. This year, 40,500 walkers registered for the event nationwide, raising a total $13.8 million.
With more than 50 walkers, NC’s team was the fourth largest in Canada.
“I am very happy with the results,” said team leader Joe Abbruscato. “There is always a sense of pride when you’re working with the college community for a greater cause.”
Team lead Joe Abbruscato (left) with NC President Sean Kennedy.
Founded in the mid-1980s by a small group of Christian men who wanted to help the less fortunate in their community, Open Arms Mission is a volunteer-driven organization that now serves more than 200,000 people every year. The fastest growing demographic is children under 12.
“This past year, the Open Arms Mission saw a huge increase in serving the hungry, homeless and hurting,” Abbruscato said. “If we can all do a little, it goes a long way in helping others. I always encourage people to get involved, and what better way than by getting outside and walking with family, friends and coworkers.
“I’m looking forward to next year’s walk which will be our 10th year doing this.”
