The community is invited to walk around Barrie's downtown core this weekend to support Youth Haven, Barrie's only emergency youth shelter.
"The Coldest Night of the Year" fundraiser has participants stroll around the downtown area in less-than-ideal temperatures to symbolize the challenges homeless youth in the city face.
Executive Director Lucy Gowers says, "we have youth come to Youth Haven who experience trying to find shelter in the dead of winter. The walk illustrates the challenges when they're looking for a safe, warm place to spend the night.
She explains that the shelter's capacity is 19, plus up to 15 youths in a transitional housing program.
"On average, we support close to 30-32 youths most nights, and we're the only shelter in the county of Simcoe. We do great work, but we don't do it alone; we do it with the support of an amazing community," she explains.
So far, they have raised around $50 thousand of their $80 thousand fundraising goal, which goes towards youth programs, keeping the doors open, the lights on, and food on the table.
This year's walk is on February 25 from 70 Collier Street at 4 pm.
Gowers says it's an opportunity for the community to get to know the staff and meet the volunteers.
It's a wonderful chance to come and spend some time with us, Gowers says.
For more information on how to donate or participate, visit youthhaven.ca
