THUNDER BAY -- Morgan Sand wants to do her part to help those less fortunate.
That’s why the six-year-old wanted to take part in the Coldest Night of the Year walk, raising $210 through her fundraising efforts.
“I asked everybody and they gave me it,” she said before the start of the walk when asked how she raised the money.
The third annual walk, which benefits Grace Place, was held late Saturday afternoon with more than 350 people participating.
Walkers had the choice of two, five or 10 kilometres distances. The walk started at the Summit Church before proceeding through the East End and the south downtown core.
As of early in the afternoon more than $54,000 had been raised locally with more on the way.
Gary Macsemchuk, pastor at Grace Place, said the walk contributes about 50 per cent of the organization’s annual budget as they assist the homeless and working poor.
“We serve about 40,000 meals per year and give about 1,600 emergency food hampers,” Macseumchuk said. “We build community and get them the right help to other service agencies in Thunder Bay.”
It also has a special purpose this year.
“This year we’re going to purchase the building we currently rent so the money will go towards that purchase,” he said.
The walk in Thunder Bay was one of 80 taking place in different cities across the country.
Gillon’s Insurance served as the local title sponsor for the second straight year.
Mary Lynn Douglas, group manager, said seeing such large community support for a relatively new event is inspiring.
“It’s very overwhelming and touches your heart. It’s more than doubled from the first year,” Douglas said.
