Brent Henry from the Saugeen First Nation Food Bank accepts a cheque from Southampton Rotarian June Van Bastelaar. Proceeds from the 2026 Coldest Night of the Year walk were distributed to local and regional organizations. Photo supplied
Jane Glenn | 5 August 2026
The Rotary Club of Southampton has distributed $15,540 to local and regional organizations that support people facing hunger, homelessness, mental-health challenges and other urgent needs.
The money comes from the club’s share of proceeds from the 2026 Coldest Night of the Year walk, held in partnership with the United Way of Bruce Grey on February 28.
Funds are being directed to organizations that provide food, shelter, clothing, mental-health resources and emergency assistance to individuals and families in vulnerable circumstances.
The funding includes $4,000 shared equally among four local food banks: the Salvation Army, the Living Hope Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul and the Saugeen First Nation Food Bank. Around the Table Soup Kitchen received $1,040.
The YMCA Critical Needs Stabilization Fund, Kabaeshiwan Respite Shelter and the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce each received $3,500.
The YMCA Critical Needs Stabilization Fund helps people cover urgent expenses such as medications, identity documentation fees, emergency phone minutes, transportation, essential clothing, backpacks and work equipment. Kabaeshiwan Respite Shelter provides meals, drinking water, clothing and temporary warm beds, while the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce will use its contribution to provide hygiene kits.
“The Coldest Night of the Year is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when our community comes together,” said Rotarian and Event Chair June Van Bastelaar. “Every walker, donor, sponsor and volunteer played a part in raising these funds and helping organizations that support people during some of the most challenging times in their lives," she said, adding a thanks to Lakeshore Recreation's Gord and Ann MacKay for hosting the event's start and close.
See also: 2026 United Way of Bruce and Grey Coldest Night of the Year walks raise over $132,000
