On Saturday, February 8, during our second annual YSM Winter Walk for Neighbours in Need, 218 participants braved the snowy weather to complete a 2 or 5 km walk and helped raise more than $127,000 to support vulnerable community members during the freezing winter months through YSM’s programs.
“I really liked raising money to help others,” one 12-year-old 5K walker said, “and also the hot chocolate!” Special thanks to our Route Marshal Sponsor Logan Wealth Management, our venue partner St. Paul’s Bloor Street, Tim Hortons for Rest Stop refreshments, Salad King for the wonderful post-walk meal, and Chick-Fil-A for kindly donating children’s and youth meals.
That total isn’t just a number: it has been a trying winter, and all the funds raised mean warmth, meals, essential relief and ongoing supportive care for neighbours who most need help. We thank everyone who walked, volunteered, donated and sponsored this fun family-friendly community event! Your enthusiasm was contagious!
If you weren’t able to join us this year, we hope you enjoy this 1-minute event highlights reel.
On the night of the walk, we received this encouraging message:
I saw all of your bright shining faces today on Parliament Street with your signs, and I’ll just have to say thank you! In fact, I didn’t know what was going on or who you were, however your signs caught my attention as well as the bright, happy, smiley faces. So I stopped a group of you, and just simply asked who you were, and what you guys were all about. That sparked an amazing conversation, and I discovered that you are associated with Yonge Street Mission . . . I just want to simply say thank you again for all of your support. For I would not be alive today, if it wasn’t for the kind and generous souls at Yonge Street Mission!
Thank you to all who joined us in making a difference!
We are already looking forward to our 2026 YSM Winter Walk for Neighbours in Need, to take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026! With your kindness we hope to make next year’s event just as big of a success!