Overnight Shelter to host their largest fundraiser of the year
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Strathmore Overnight Shelter is once again hosting its Before it Gets Cold march, being the single largest fundraising event of the year for the facility.
Elizabeth Karp, executive director of the Strathmore Overnight Shelter, said the goal this year for the march, set to take place Oct. 28, is to exceed $10,000 raised for the shelter.
“People can probably start coming in around 3 p.m., we are going to have the mayor there speaking, and we are looking at getting somebody singing, and maybe some First Nations dancers in,” said Karp. “Anyone can get someone to sponsor them either for two kilometers or five kilometers for when we start the walk, and then Coun. Denise Peterson will be providing us with a nice stew dinner after.”
For those who wish to sponsor somebody participating in the march, any donation which is $20 or more will be eligible for a tax receipt at the end of the financial year.
Historically, Karp said between 40 and 60 people tended to be in attendance to participate in the annual march.
“There is a lot of participation from community. That is what makes it successful, so getting the word out there is super helpful,” she said. “($10,000 will) have a huge impact. It will help towards staffing, it will help towards food, it will help towards utilities. We do fundraising throughout the year off and on – it’s a constant. Everything is so much more expensive. Utilities are up, food is up, the costs (are) just absolutely tremendous. So, it’ll help in all those areas.”
Overnight occupation tends to vary around this time of year, but Karp said the shelter tends to see anywhere from seven people, up to their maximum capacity of 20.
In addition to financial donations, the Overnight Shelter is also in need of gloves, mittens and other winter garments, with the temperature soon to start dropping.
“We do the coat program for the community as well, so anybody who has gently used coats, we could use those. We always need laundry detergents, coffee, and there is a list on our website now of our highest need items that we use constantly,” she said. “This time of year, we are obviously looking at winter and are needing warm clothing and outerwear.”
Outside of the Before it Gets Cold march, those who are interested are always able to make donations at the shelter.
During the march, a 50/50 raffle will be running, as well as a silent auction in order to supplement sponsored donations.
More information regarding both the march event and the shelter itself is available online.