Kindred Credit Union has always gone beyond financial transactions in order to inspire peaceful, just and prosperous communities. On Saturday, February 25, 29 Kindred staff members braved the brisk winter weather and participated in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY). CNOY is a family-friendly walk that raises much needed funds for local organizations serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. This event aligns well with Kindred’s Community Inspiration Framework and our commitment to support safe housing, food security and mental health programs in our communities.
There’s something special about Coldest Night of the Year. It’s a national event, but the money raised stays in our communities. This year across Canada, there were over 36,000 CNOY walkers supporting charities in 182 locations, raising $12,347,124 nationally. Our Kindred teams raised $2,005 for Ray of Hope Community Centre in Kitchener and $2,970 for Waterloo Supportive Housing in Waterloo! Kindred staff also walked in support of Wilmot Family Resource Centre in New Hamburg, Woolwich Community Services in Elmira and Hope House in Guelph.
“We would not be able to do the work we do if we did not have the support of our community – it really is essential,” states Brian Paul, Executive Director of Supportive Housing Waterloo. “Feeling like you belong is essential in breaking the cycle of homelessness, and we are very lucky to live and work in a community that provides such an amazing sense of hope, inclusion and dignity to our residents. It is this type of caring and compassionate support that lifts the residents and staff up daily.”
Save the date for next year’s CNOY – Saturday, February 24, 2024. Join with us to team up, fundraise, walk, and gather for good … because it’s cold out there!