News & Updates

TIMMINS, ON: Northern College is pleased to announce that it is once again a lead sponsor of the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser presented by the Anti-Hunger Coalition (ACT).

Following a successful first year as lead sponsor in 2020, Northern College is committed to maintaining support for this vital charity, the funds it raises and the work it does within the communities where it educates students.

“Building community across the North through partnerships and issues related to social justice are integral to the education of our students and our mission at Northern College,” stated Dr. Audrey Penner, President and CEO of Northern College, of the partnership. “That support extends beyond the boundaries of our campuses and into the communities we call home. College students can experience challenges related to food insecurity as they work to balance financial obligations, educational workloads and the pressures of life.”

Last year’s fundraising event raised 38,000 dollars thanks to 133 participants who chose to brave the cold weather to support a great cause. Those funds raised helped support ACT programs like the Good Food Box, an initiative that sees wholesale fruits and vegetables delivered to homes, the Community Gardens Program which provides land for community members to grow food for themselves and for emergency food services, as well as the Community Food Hamper program that aims to help those who are unable to reach or access local food banks due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“This event plays a major role in our overall fundraising for the year,” stated Jennifer Vachon, Executive Director of Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins. “The money we receive from the Coldest Night of the Year is crucial to our ability to keep helping those in need. Food security is a constant and growing issue in our region and the continued support of volunteers, donors and sponsors like Northern College allow us to continue supporting those in need.”

The continued impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic will affect the nature of this year’s event. Instead of going on a formalized single day walk, participants will instead be encouraged to go for an independent version. Those taking part are encouraged to fundraise within their networks and are invited to walk suggested routes, or any route of their choice, on a time and day that they wish.

“As I’m sure we can all appreciate, the events of this past year have had a profound effect on our daily lives and the Coldest Night of the Year event won’t be an exception,” stated Vachon of the new format and approach. “It can be difficult to find socially distanced alternatives to important events like this, but I think we’ve found an alternative that will allow members of this community to support those in need while ensuring their own safety.”

Northern College is proud to support any organization that gives back to the communities it calls home, encouraging students to do the same.

“Citizenship is such an integral part of a well-rounded education,” stated Penner. “When students attend Northern, it is incredibly important to us that they not only learn the skills that will be essential to success in their chosen field, but that we help to foster the ideals of community, support and understanding that will help them become well rounded people, both personally and professionally.”

“This means providing them with a supportive learning environment and taking opportunities like this to lead by example as an organization,” she added. “As they say, be the change you want to see in the world.”

For more information on the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser, please visit: https://cnoy.org/location/timmins

For more insight into Northern’s role in the event, please visit: http://timmins.care/northern-college/

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Media Contact:
Kyle Gennings
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T. 705-235-3211 ext. 2276
F. 705-235-6888
C. 705-288-1101