The Grind Pembroke is hoping to raise $100,000 as part of the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraiser. Deacon Adrian Chaput says last year the community rallied together to raise $86,000.
Chaput says The Grind is currently working with 30 homeless people in Pembroke who are living in tents, under bridges, in the bush and adds several others are sleeping in vehicles or on a friends couch.
Jerry Novak, The Executive Director of The Grind Pembroke, says they’ve had great support from the community and adds events like the Coldest Night of the Year are so important.
Pembroke Mayor Mike LeMay says The Grind is the front lines for the vulnerable in the community.
The 2023 edition of the Coldest Night of the Year in support of The Grind is February 25th. The walk will start at 5:00pm and leave from the new home of The Grind at 273 Victoria Street.
Over 160 people attended a sold out spaghetti dinner at the Best Western on Thursday, November 9th to kick off the CNOY fundraiser.
You can sign up online and get more information about the Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser at CNOY.org.
YEAR TO DATE STATISTICS FROM THE GRIND PEMBROKE (January 1st, 2022 – November 9th, 2022)
- Lunches served – 17,013
- Emergency food boxes provided – 217
- Referrals to partner agencies – 606
- Support for walk-in clients – 1,197
- Wellness checks in the community – 1,902
- Breakfasts served (in addition to daily lunch) – 147
- Hygiene kits and gift cards – 232
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)
