Looking for Walkers – Coldest Night of the Year

Adelle Ellis
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Overnight Shelter will hold their first fundraiser of the year, the Coldest Night of the Year Walk, and they are looking for team captains to get involved and for walkers and pledgers.
The walk will be held on Feb. 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Strathmore, and will feature either a 5 km or a 10 km walk option for participants.
This is the first time the national walk will take place in Strathmore and it is to bring awareness to the homelessness, mental health disorders, and people struggling with low income. It is to show people that they are not alone in the problems they struggle with.
“The name is symbolism. It may not literally be the coldest night of the year, it’s just to bring awareness that some people struggling actually sleep outside in cold nights in the middle of winter,” said Richard Rodgers, Director of Outreach at the Strathmore Overnight Shelter. “It’s unacceptable. Especially in Canada.”
The walk is open for anyone to register. “It is open for the young, the old, the disabled, seniors, you can bring your dogs, you can ride your scooter if you want to,” said Rodgers. “This is a community based fun activity that promotes awareness.”
Rest stops will be available on all routes for participants to warm up with some hot chocolate and use the facilities. Once finished the race, there will be a free hot meal prepared for all participants and volunteers.
All money raised on this walk stays in Strathmore. This year all the funds raised will go towards the Strathmore Overnight Shelter which will be open sometime later this year.
The goal is to raise $20,000 and so far, they are only six per cent towards reaching their goal. The shelter is currently looking for walkers and teams to participate in the walk and to help raise money so they can reach their goal.
All walkers will receive a free Coldest Night toque, and if they pledge over $500 they will get a free hoodie.
“This walk is really important for us and I just want to do my best for the community. There are a lot of good people here. I just want to make a difference and improve the lives of people who fall through the cracks,” said Rodgers.
If you would like to join or enter a team in the walk, or to make a pledge to the current walkers, you can do so by visiting www.canada.cnoy.org/location/strathmore.
There is a $25 registration fee, but the fee will be waived for walkers who raise $150 and over.
There is also a challenge for businesses to try and raise the most money. When your business makes their pledge, they will be put in a score board among like groups of businesses. There will be a chart where you can see which business has raised the most money so far. It’s a little friendly competition to keep people interested.
“Strathmore shows a lot of compassion for our shelter and they want improvements for the people who live here,” said Rodgers. “I am so grateful that the people here support the shelter and want to help improve the conditions for people who need it.”