February 12, 2025
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Coldest Night of the Year Walk in Ottawa to raise funds, awareness for homeless

Event returns for its 2nd campaign

By Derek Barichello
Hundreds showed up to walk the downtown streets of Ottawa Saturday evening for the Illinois Valley PADS sponsored “The Coldest Night Of The Year”, one-mile walk for walkers to sample the challenge of those who are homeless in the winter. The fundraising event contributed to the vital needs to support the growing homeless population in the Illinois Valley area.

After a successful first-year campaign, the Coldest Night of the Year Walk fundraiser is returning on Saturday, Feb. 22, to Ottawa. ( Tom Sistak For Shaw Media )

After a successful first-year campaign, the Coldest Night of the Year Walk fundraiser is returning Saturday, Feb. 22, to Ottawa.

The evening walk invites community members to come together in support of individuals experiencing homelessness in the Illinois Valley area – and as part of a national movement happening across the U.S. and Canada to raise awareness and funds for those without stable housing. Bring your team or organization’s banner and display it during the walk.

Registration begins at 4 p.m., and the walk starts at 5 p.m. from the Jordan block. The walk will move along La Salle Street to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Towpath down Columbus Street back to the Jordan block, totaling about 1 mile.

Participants will be offered hot chocolate, water, protein bars, glow sticks and other items.

Before, during and after the walk, you’ll have a chance to meet the Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter executive team and management teams from the shelters and Lily Pads stores in both Ottawa and Peru. Leading the route this year will be Tom Rooney, IV PADS board vice president.

Participants may earn a toque by fundraising $150 or more ($75 for youth younger than 18). Raise $500 or more, and participants have a chance to earn a limited edition CNOY-branded hooded sweatshirt.

There will be photo opportunities through a frame. There will be a 360-degree photo booth machine, located at ReMax 1st Choice, which will be complete with a CNOY backdrop.

Enter a drawing to win a copy of the novel “No Address” by Ken Abraham, which is based on the film illustrating how homelessness can affect anyone. Ten hard-cover novels will be given away.

Stop at designated rest stations along the route to stay warm and comfortable. Enjoy Pat Applebee’s homemade soup when you finish the walk.

The goal is to walk to raise awareness, organizers said. Walking on a cold February evening offers a small glimpse into the hardships of the community’s most vulnerable neighbors face every day.

The walk aims to fund essential services: Proceeds from the walk help fund crucial programs and services for people without stable housing in our community.

“The Coldest Night of the Year isn’t just a walk – it’s a powerful statement of empathy and action,” Carol Alcorn, executive director at Illinois Valley PADS, said in a news release. “By stepping into the cold for a short time, we recognize the daily struggles of those experiencing homelessness. And through fundraising, we help provide warmth, shelter and hope for our neighbors in need.”

Visit the Coldest Night of the Year website at cnoy.com/ottawa to:

  • Register to walk. Sign up as an individual or create a team with friends and family.
  • Captain a team. Encourage co-workers, faith groups, clubs or neighbors to join and fundraise together.
  • Donate. If you can’t join the walk, support Illinois Valley PADS in providing shelter, meals and other essential resources.

For more information on donating, registering or becoming a team captain, visit the Illinois Valley PADS Facebook page or call 815-488-3256.

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