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Keeping the cold at bay continued from p.1 This will be KSM's third year hosting the event, which takes place at KSM's Dream Centre, 485 Kerr St. Organizer Dave O'Halloran says it's an opportunity to raise funds at a time of year historically known for lower levels of giving. Proceeds support KSM's community programs to help those coping with poverty. "The response from the Oakville community over the years has been great," said O'Halloran. "In our first year, we had just more than 100 walkers, while last year, we had close to 270 walkers." Organizers expect approximately 350 participants and 40 teams, including staff and friends of KSM, who will brave the cold winter's night in an effort to raise more than $50,000 for the Christian-based organization. Those interested in joining or registering a team can go online to www.coldestnightoftheyear.org and click Oakville under the location tab. Participants can register for a two-kilometre, 5k or 10k walk, which will start and end at The Dream Centre. Registration opens at 4 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies and the walk at 5 p.m. Between 6-8 p.m., walkers and volunteers will have the chance to warm up with a hot drink and bowl of chili. Registration costs $25 and can be paid during online registration or on the event day -- walkers Participants in the 2013 Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser for Kerr Street Ministries (KSM) walk along Kerr Street. | Oakville Beaver file photo aged 12 or younger are not charged the fee. "We're also encouraging people to fundraise for KSM, additionally," said O'Halloran. The registration fee is waived with a commitment to fundraise a minimum of $150, for adults aged 18 or older, or $75, for youths aged 13-17." 3 | Wednesday, February 19, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com KSM struggles to cope with growing need continued from p.1 "A lot of new dialogue started where people called and said, `Can you tell us what is happening?' and `Is there some way we can help?' People took initiative to do food drives and little fundraisers. People really showed they cared and that they understood and recognized we are doing essential work for the community and that it was something they needed to support." O'Neill said the last three months of the year were actually KSM's most successful. The turnaround began, he said, in October 2013 when an anonymous benefactor offered to match all donations to KSM up to $25,000. In December 2013, the agency fundraised $300,000 for its Christmas Wonders and Beyond program, which provides food vouchers and gift cards to those in need at the holidays. O'Neill said KSM received help in securing financing and new stability. "We were able to pay off all of our operational debt and get back to basically flush," he said. While O'Neill said he is grateful, he admitted more is needed to keep the organization afloat in the long term. Costs associated with KSM's building, staff and programs means the charity needs to raise $100,000 per month. O'Neill said partnerships with local groups and businesses, and donations, are needed as KSM tries to stay afloat -- and expand to assist with growing needs in the community. KSM's new board chair and Appleby College chief information officer Kevin Pashuk said poverty never sleeps. "The number of people in need is increasing. It's subtle, but it is there," he said. "There were 980 people helped by Christmas Wonders last year and 1,132 this year. The number of people coming to the community dinners is also increasing. The number of people coming to the food (bank) is increasing." O'Neill said as housing prices in Oakville continue to rise, 16.1 per cent of the population is considered low-income. A closure or cutback in programs would directly affect that population. O'Neill said even if KSM becomes financially stable, there is a need to add more programs, such as financial planning and debt counselling, and for initiatives such as hiring a sports program co-ordinator so the facility's gym could be open to local youths for sports programming on weekends. Anyone interested in donating to, or partnering or volunteering with KSM, can visit www. kerrstreet.com or call 905-845-7485. Helping You Make Smart Decisions About Your Money Voted Number 1 Financial Planner 10 Years Peter Watson MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Certified Financial Planner SINCE 1991 220 Randall Street · Downtown Oakville Phone: 905.842.2100 www.peterwatsoninvestments.com Don't Compromise on Driver Training March 10, 11, 12, 13 March 8, 9, 15, 16 April 5, 6, 12, 13 March Break Course March Break Course 2 Weekends 4 days 2 Weekends 9:30 am to 3:30pm 9:30am to 3:30pm 9:30am to 3:30pm Winter Special: (BFF) Bring a friend and both Save $100.00 UPCOMING COURSES www.drivewiseoakville.com 905-845-7200