It's almost February and it's cold outside. So, once again, I am walking in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser. It will take place on February 22 and the proceeds will go to support homeless youth in Lanark County.

Here is why this particular cause is important to me:

Most of you know that my mother died when I was 14 – oldest of five children. What you may not know is that rendered me and my siblings homeless. We were blessed to be taken into the home of a family from our church and ultimately, we were split up and sent to live with extended families. There was a time when we were visiting orphanages to decide which one we would go to. We were fortunate that family members stepped up.

Homelessness among youth in Lanark County, where I live, is increasing. It is also largely invisible. When most of us think of homelessness, we think of people living on the streets in large cities. In small rural communities, homeless youth are hidden from view because they are drifting from place-to-place couch surfing.

I don’t want to pester or put any sort of pressure on anyone to offer financial support. However, if you do feel this is something you want to include in your giving plan this year, you can join my team of supporters here:

https://cnoy.w-ith.me/Deborah

Regardless of whether you can make a financial contribution at this time, I do hope my note encourages you to “see” the problem.

Thanks for being good friends and always being there.