On Rock Community Services hosts walking fundraiser
By Jim Morrison
www.thesuburban.com
Homelessness and hunger are realities which Kirkland resident Kim Reid witnesses on a daily basis.
Reid is President of On Rock Community Services in Pierrefonds, a food bank resource which reaches 200 families on a weekly basis.
On Feb. 21, On Rock will be hosting The Coldest Night of the Year, joining thousands of Canadians across the country walking to raise funds for 80+ Canadian charities who serve
the hungry, homeless and hurting in their communities.
In 2011, the WALK was piloted in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo by Blue Sea Philanthropy. From a standing start in mid-January, until Walk Day 40 days later, a passionate group of 406 walkers including kids, youth, families and retirees, signed up and together raised a remarkable $110,000. Seventy percent of that amount was disbursed to their location partners—Ray of Hope, Yonge Street Mission and Sanctuary Ministries.
“Poverty is in our own backyards. We need to do what we can to help those that need a hand. On Rock does this every week, so I’m doing my part. I help them so they can help others. Just makes sense to me,” said Dollard des Ormeaux resident, Kathryn McCreath.
“I grew up in a one parent family with three siblings and a lot of times we needed to rely on the kindness of others or organizations like On Rock. I have always wanted to do something to give back. This year instead of “wanting” to do something, I opted to do that something.
No person should ever have to worry about where their next meal will come from or how they’re going to feed their kids. This year I recruited my kids and the man in my life to help raise some money for a great cause. A little fresh air, some exercise and time spent together, is a win/win for all of us.
With the option of social media, I have raised more money than I would have expected. I am amazed with the donations I have received from my friends. I am thankful for the opportunity,” Chateauguay resident Donna Gosse told The Suburban.
“We as Canadians deal with harsh winters all the time. I have no idea and can only imagine how tough it is for those less fortunate than us to always be cold, or not know when the next meal is or where it’s coming from. We are all lucky to have a warm bed to sleep in and a fridge full of food.
“Kim Reid is a good friend of mine and asked me to help raise money and awareness for this cause. What is five kilometres of dealing with cold with proper gear and being with friends when there are so many that are alone with little or no winter clothing and they have to be outside constantly in this weather,” exclaimed Pointe Claire resident Lisa Limosani.
The Coldest Night of the Year has raised $4.9 million since its inception.
On Rock Community Services helps people living with poverty in the West Island. The involvement in this walk impacts hundreds of lives in a positive way, helping build a bright future that once seemed out of reach.
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