Close to 120 people walk in Fort Erie’s Coldest Night of the Year event

Jackie Denham and Shirley Athoe turned an unfortunate situation into something positive four decades ago, a cause to support people like their two sons.

They are the founders of the Brain Injury Association of of Fort Erie (BIAFE), an organization established after realizing there was a lack of resources for individuals and families whose lives were impacted by acquired brain injuries.

“There was nothing out there and we had to do something,” said Denham on Saturday afternoon during the second annual Fort Erie Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event, a fundraiser for the association that was on its way to hitting its goal of $30,000 as final numbers were being tallied.

Denham’s son Michael, now 57 years old, was struck as a pedestrian by an impaired driver three weeks before his 17th birthday.

Athoe’s son, Mike McClary, also suffered a brain injury a short time before Michael Denham.

At that time, brain injuries were not recognized as a disability, Denham told Fort Erie Radio in an interview as participants prepared to head out on the route that started and ended at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) on Saturday.

There were 15 teams and close to 120 participants.

CNOY is an annual event held in communities across Canada to raise funds and awareness for homelessness with a local charity benefitting in each town and city it is held.

Homelessness is something faced by many of the 187 clients served by the BIAFE, formerly known as the Head Injury Association of Fort Erie.

“Most adults don’t have any supports, and they’re lucky to have a family that helps them a bit,” said Denham, co-founder, president and current board member.

The funds raised through the CNOY event provide an extra cushion for individuals from Fort Erie and other parts of the region, covering costs of everything from buying toiletries to trips to doctor’s appointments or securing housing.

“That’s exactly what tonight is about,” she said, noting that the association runs on fundraising, grants, and bingo revenues.

There is no other government assistance given to the organization for its operations.

“Every year, we get a couple of new families, which is sad, but true,” said Denham.

She recalled the community’s response 40 years ago when Michael was injured and the association was in the early stages of being established, comparing that to Saturday’s fundraising goal being met.

“Fort Erie is always a community that rallies for others,” she said.

As walkers returned to GFESS after the two and five-kilometre routes, Michael could be seen holding the front door open for people to come back inside.

Mayor Wayne Redekop was walking with his daughter, Dr. Kylie Redekop, also a board member of the association.

He was pleased with the turnout and the fundraising goal seemingly being reached.

“It shows the community really supports our organizations,” he said, adding that “people really do pull together” in Fort Erie.

Fire Chief Mark Schmitt was the top fundraiser, bringing in more than $3,200 as an individual.

His team, named after his late wife Jessica, raised more than $6,300, also the top squad for funds raised.

“It’s a great organization and they do really great work,” Schmitt told Fort Erie Radio after the walk, adding it is “something fun to do” as well.

Food was provided after the walk by GFESS culinary students.

Donations are being accepted until the end of the month.

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