Mayors challenge each other on the coldest night of the year

NEWS RELEASE

NORTH BAY SOUP KITCHEN

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NORTH BAY – We are five days away from the Coldest Night of the Year. 

École Secondaire is the host once again for this annual event. 

Registration opens at 4 p.m., with the Opening Ceremonies beginning at 5 p.m. and the walk starting at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 21 2015. 
 
This Winter walkathon fundraiser raises money for the hungry, homeless and hurting across Canada and right here in North Bay. 

The Gathering Place is organizer of the event and uses the funds raised to serve people living with poverty in North Bay. 

This walk will impact hundreds of lives in a positive way, helping to build a bright future that once seemed out of reach.

Their goal this year is to raise $100,000. 
 
The Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, Christian Provenzano, has challenged our Mayor Al McDonald to see who will raise the most money for their respective cites. 

“I have no doubts of the outcome of this challenge” Mayor Al McDonald said confidently. 
 
One of the great stories emerging from this event is Ashlin Cullin’s efforts to support those in need. 

This young lady has rounded up her friends to join her team The Love Bugs hoping to raise $250. 

She has already surpassed her goal – her team has currently raised $425. 
 
“It’s Ashlin’s second year and a young lady of her age, who is donating her time and money to the most vulnerable in the City, is an inspiration to us all” said Jill Clark, Executive Director of The Gathering Place. 
 
The Gathering Place, North Bay’s Community Soup Kitchen, provides a hot meal in a warm environment to those in need. 

It is a non-profit, non-denominational organization that strives to bring hope and healing to North Bay’s hungry.

On an annual budget of $250,000, The Gathering Place serves an average of 33,150 meals per year through their breakfast and lunch programs. 

Since opening in 2003, The Gathering Place has served over 270,000 meals to people in need in North Bay.
 
The Gathering Place also provides work opportunities for co-op students and college and university students on placement, community service hours for students, training and support for mental health patients and individuals with cognitive disabilities. 

The Gathering Place’s Community Garden generated 600 pounds of produce in 2014 and their Community Kitchen teaches individuals to cook healthy, nutritious and cost-effective meals for family. 

To learn more, visit the Coldest Night of the Year North Bay website.   

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