‘COLDEST NIGHT’ WALK RAISES $173,000 FOR GAP’S FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMS IN GRAVENHURST

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — This week’s coldest nights of the year were capped with another “Coldest Day of the Year” walk yesterday.

Hundreds of walkers and volunteers raised more than $173,000 in the annual Gravenhurst Against Poverty trek through town for food security.

The 336 who registered gathered at the Lion’s Pavilion on Muskoka Bay and headed uphill to main street and south to Mr. Sub and back on a cool crisp late afternoon Saturday.

They helped raise 125 per cent of their goal to bring food and other related services for their United Church headquarters.

With bright white toques circled with their blue and gold corporate colours the 5K hike was filled with joy and laughter as the sun followed them along Bay Street and Muskoka Road.

Donations are still being taken online or by dropping by the church.

An celebration picnic followed in the gazebo on their return with restaurant donations for hungry foodies who worked up an appetite for a hot bite.

Dr. Arden Todd was surrounded by a gaggle of giggling volunteers beforehand.
This year’s bright white tuques were another sign of its growing success.
GAP chair Beth Houston chats with walkers before another successful Saturday.
Candid cameraman Richard Coburn captured it all for the GAP website.
The Murray and Jones clan were in great spirits heading up from The Wharf.
Charlie and his walk mascot “Glen” were fresh off last week’s winter carnival day.
One of the pit stops along the routes was a welcome respite.
Diane Harrop gets a taste of winter to keep her energy up.
The folks at Essence of Spice huddle while handing out dairy supplements.
The annual GAP walk through downtown was busy on both sides of Muskoka Road.
Always time for a selfie for these avid curlers and CNOY hikers.
A setting sun made this year’s Coldest Walk tolerable for these intrepid trekkers.

With lots of smiles, cars and trucks honking it was a festive occasion.

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