Many area residents and Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP) members are gearing up to take to the streets in support of a great cause this month.
On Saturday, February 26th, likely between 2 and 5 pm, they’ll be taking part in the 4th annual Gravenhurst Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) Walk.
Bryan White, GAP’s marketing and social media manager and CNOY’s planning committee co-chair says the original goal this year was to raise $75,000 to serve locals experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness, but amazingly, they’ve already raised over $100,000 (as of Monday $111,812!)
“The need in Muskoka and Gravenhurst and the surrounding areas is great but I like to say that the hearts are greater,” says White. “People have been following the story of Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP) since their inception and certainly over the course of the entire year so when it comes time to now ask for support and supporting the amazing programs that GAP offers, that everyone is excited to get involved and eager to support such a great cause for our community.”
GAP raised $90,000 at its 3rd annual walk last year.
The money raised at the events goes towards GAP’s three arms of programming: The first pillar is a food program for those facing food insecurity and GAP currently feeds over 600 people a week through it.
The second is Transportation for those who face barriers in getting around town to get groceries and places like laundromats and medical services.
The third pillar is Mental Wellness: GAP has developed programs to support this including a virtual youth group, virtual public speakers, and a young adult center. In the future, there may also be a physical space acquired through this pillar for youth in Gravenhurst too.
White says this year the Walk’s start and finish location will be the Lion’s Pavilion at Muskoka Wharf.
There are two routes this year – a 2 km and 5 km. Those taking part in the 2 km will leave the pavilion and head towards the Sawdust City parking lot, from where they’ll then back to the pavilion. The 5 km option will see people walk to the Mr. Sub’s parking lot in town and then back to the Pavillion. Both turnaround spots will provide walkers a chance to get refreshed with hot beverages.
At the end of the Walks, a pizza party will await those taking part at Muskoka Wharf. Other entertainment options and fun things for kids to do are also being looked at currently too.
Organizers are happy they are able to go ahead with this year’s walk in the still-lingering COVID-19 environment.
“We’re grateful that we can even meet in-person at all,” says White. “And of course, we’ll work within these boundaries and make it the most fun, exciting day possible.”
To donate to this year’s walk, sign up to take part, or form a team, you can visit CNOY.org/Gravenhurst
Also – lots of great information about GAP is available here.
