The Coldest Night of the Year is returning to Stratford once again in February and this year Stratford-Perth Shelterlink is recruiting a new partner to help with the annual event focusing on the issue of homelessness.

“We’re happy to announce United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is joining us in partnership on this year’s Coldest Night in Stratford,” said Shelterlink Board Chair and President Martin Ritsma. “The community support has been amazing the past six years that Shelterlink has been involved in Coldest Night. Now, we’re excited to invite another great local organization to work with us to grow the event and help even more local people.”

Coldest Night of the Year is a family friendly walk raising money for hungry, hurting and homeless people in the community, happening this year on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Last year 144 communities from across Canada took part in the event, with the Stratford walk raising over $40,000. For more information, and to watch for updates on registering as an individual or a team, visit cnoy.org

In September of 2020, 107 individuals identified themselves as experiencing homelessness in Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County, with 97 of those experiencing chronic homelessness. Given that it’s estimated 80 per cent of homelessness is hidden, many more local people are likely facing this issue on a daily basis.