COURTENAY, B.C. – While Feb. 23 may not be the coldest night of the year, a walk in the elements that night will give Comox Valley residents a taste of what the homeless have to endure, day after day.
The Comox Valley Transition Society and Dawn to Dawn are teaming up for their fourth annual Coldest Night of the Year Walk to end homelessness.
During the fundraiser, people will walk through the streets of downtown Courtenay on Saturday night, Feb. 23.
Last year, the community came out by the hundreds and raised more than $65,000 which helped shelter, feed and support families and individuals who were homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The goal is to raise $75,000 and with 52 teams and more than 300 people registered to take part thus far, this year is shaping up to be an even bigger success.
The walk headquarters is St. George’s Church, 505 6th Street.
Registration is at 4:00 p.m. with opening ceremonies at 5:00 p.m. followed by the walk at 5:15 p.m.
Registration closes at 6:00 p.m., and a meal service gets underway at the same time.
The route closes at 8:00 p.m.
All walkers must check-in at registration upon arrival.
Children up to age 10 can take part for free. Youth ages 11 to 17 must fundraise a minimum of $75 or pay a registration fee.
Adults are required to fundraise a minimum of $150 or pay a registration fee.
For those who chose to pay the non-refundable registration fee, the early bird cost of $25 applies until Sunday, Feb. 17.
After that, the fee will be $40.
You can register, donate online, or volunteer at cnoy.org/location/comoxvalley.
“We try to encourage as many people as possible to bundle up and walk for homelessness,” said organizing team member Michelle Vanderwoude, who is also resource development director with the Comox Valley Transition Society.
“It’s a national walk so there will be people walking across the country on Feb. 23 and it’s really to raise awareness about the issue of homelessness in all of our communities across the country, and to raise money to help support the programs and services that are offered, to help support those who are struggling through poverty and homelessness in our communities.”
All the funds go to the Comox Valley Transition Society and Dawn to Dawn to support women and their families struggling through poverty and homelessness.
