​Kincardine Good Food Box program receives $8,700 from Coldest Night of the Year event

The United Way of Bruce Grey has announced the successful allocation of funds from February’s Coldest Night of the Year events in Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, Meaford, and Grey Highlands.

These contributions mark a significant step toward addressing pressing community needs, with amazing outcomes already unfolding, states a press release issued Tuesday.

In Kincardine, the event welcomed 118 walkers and volunteers at the Kincardine Legion, raising $27,776 (surpassing the goal of $25,000).

A contribution of $8,700 to the Kincardine Good Food Box Neighbour-to-Neighbour Initiative translates into 395 boxes of nutritious produce reaching struggling households.

Additionally, $8,686.25 supports vital programs facilitated by the United Way, including financial literacy, utility assistance, and the Backpack Program, alongside grants benefiting the broader Grey-Bruce community.

Saugeen Shores saw 222 walkers and volunteers, raising $50,578 (exceeding the goal of $50,000).

The Port Elgin Rotary Club's donation of $3,000 to United Housing for All bolsters efforts in tackling homelessness and affordable housing initiatives in Saugeen Shores. This contribution went to YMCA Rural Housing and Homelessness Outreach, actively preventing and reducing homelessness in Bruce County.

Further fortifying community support, the Rotary Club allocated $31,387.51 to United Way Bruce Grey, empowering Saugeen Shores residents to access essential programs, such as utility assistance, financial literacy, the Backpack Program and grant initiatives benefiting Saugeen Shores and beyond.

In Meaford, 102 walkers and volunteers raised $20,125 (exceeding the goal of $20,000).

The Meaford Rotary Club's $7,000 contribution ensures the continued operation of the Rotary House, a vital resource for partners and the wider community. Supporting a range of crucial initiatives, $6,300.63 aids United Way Bruce Grey's programs

In Grey Highlands, there were 85 walkers and volunteers, raising $15,779

The South East Grey Community Health Centre’s $5,000 allocation directly addresses the needs of low-income and precariously-housed individuals across Grey Highlands, Southgate, Chatsworth, and West Grey. An additional $4,937.25 empowers United Way Bruce Grey to sustain essential programs and grant initiatives benefiting Grey Highlands and beyond.

The United Way of Bruce Grey appreciates all participants, sponsors, and volunteers involved in all of the Coldest Night of the Year events across Bruce-Grey. The impacts are making a difference in the lives of those who could be experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Mark your calendars for the next walk, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.



Kristy Andre (second from left), fund-raising champion at the United Way of Bruce Grey, presents a cheque for $8,700 to the Kincardine Good Food Box Neighbour-to-Neighbour Initiative, proceeds from the Coldest Night of the Year event in February; accepting, are Wendy Cox (left) and Shirley Steele, co-ordinators of the Good Food Box program, and Gord Thompson, one of the event organizers



Bill Stewart (centre) of the Tiverton Lions Club presents a donation of $500 to Kincardine Good Food Box co-ordinators Wendy Cox (left) and Shirley Steele