Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser warms hearts in Thunder Bay

The thermometerandweather recordsmight not agree, but Saturday is set to be the Coldest Night of the Year in Thunder Bay.

People in the city are once again taking part in the annual, national fundraising walk to raise awareness about the homeless, the hunger and the hurting says organizer Melody Macsemchuk, one of the pastors at Grace Place street mission in Thunder Bay.

• Thunder Bay's Grace Place offers food, friendship and second chances

The walk winds through the city's south side, an area often described as oppressed and depressed, she said.

"You get a feel for the neighbourhood, and maybe some new insights," said Macsemchuk, who hopes participants come away with a better understanding of the challenges faced by some of those in the area around the mission.

"We're kind of occupied with the day-to-day and we don't really understand or realize what those struggling on the streets are going through. So that's something that we can come away with when we go on the walk," she said.

Thunder Bay organizers expect about 450 walkers, especially if the weather stays mild, with the goal of raising $90,000 to replace the roof at Grace Place.

The Coldest Night of the Year walk gets underway at 5 p.m., with 2km, 5 km, and 10 km distances.