It may — or may not — be the coldest night of the year in Elliot Lake on February 23. But that's the night a group of warmly dressed volunteers will gather at Holy Trinity Church on
Hillside Drive North to take part in 2, 5 or 10 kilometre walks aimed at raising money to help alleviate East Algoma's homelessness and hunger problem.
Maplegate House for Women Executive Director Melody Rose is set to appear before Elliot Lake City Council at its meeting Monday night to bring Mayor Dan Marchisella and six other council members an update on services being offered by her organization and lay out more information about the upcoming fundraiser. On Saturday February 23, registration at the church will begin at 4 p.m., opening ceremonies follow at 5 p.m. and the walkers will set out at 5:15 p.m.
All walkers and volunteers will enjoy a warm light meal at the conclusion of the cold walk at 8:00 pm. Children walk free. Youth 11 to 17 are each expected to raise $75 in pledges or pay an admission fee to participate. The fee for adults 18 or older is $150. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Melody Rose will roll out more details for city councillors more details about this winter's walk which aims to raise $40,000 for Maplegate House, Larry's Place (men's shelter) and Something More Lawrence. Maplegate House was founded in 1982 and provides 13 beds. There are 6 beds at Larry's Place founded in 2018 and another 4 beds at Something More Lawrence, also founded last year.
Council Members will be told they can help the hungry and homeless by putting up a $10,000 corporate sponsorship, forming a city hall team, joining an existing team, or, sponsoring a walker.
For more information, go to this link.