Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser planned for Feb. 11, 2023 in P.E.I.
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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — P.E.I. residents will get a short take a look at what it’s wish to be an individual struggling on the road when the Coldest Night time of the Yr fundraiser is held within the province’s two cities on Feb. 11.
“It’s one other manner of serving to increase consciousness for the wants of weak folks in our society …,” stated John Bennett, govt director of Harvest Home in Charlottetown, which is internet hosting the occasion.
“It provides folks an opportunity to exit and stroll for an hour in a chilly and never having a heat automobile or heat home to leap into and notice a bit little bit of what it’s like on the market when not having a cushty place to stay.”
That is the primary time since COVID-19 that Harvest Home is bringing the occasion again with out restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic, stated Bennett. Final 12 months, it was one of many few cities in Canada capable of have a stroll.
There are actually round 300 walkers registered with about $45,000 already raised.
“By Sunday or Monday, we’ll in all probability exceed our aim $70,000,” stated Bennett. “The nearer (we) get to the day of the stroll, the more cash you’re elevating.”
The five-km stroll begins at Central Christian Church on Kent Road. Folks collect at 4-5 p.m. for check-in after which stroll the round route for about an hour. Every participant will obtain a toque that has “The Coldest Night time” on it. Free heat meals and leisure are supplied on the church on the finish of the stroll to thank donors and walkers.
What: The Coldest Night time of the Yr (CNOY) is a charitable program operated and supported by Blue Sea Basis, a registered Canadian Basis.
When: The fundraising stroll takes place in late February throughout Canada. In P.E.I., the occasion is at 5 p.m. on Feb. 11 in Charlottetown and Summerside – sooner than regular so as to not intervene with the 2023 P.E.I. Canada Winter Video games.
Why: The aim to lift cash for native charities serving individuals who expertise poverty, damage, starvation and homelessness. Contributors have till March 31 to proceed fundraising.
Who: Harvest Home in Charlottetown hosts the Coldest Night time occasion this 12 months, starting at Central Christian Church. Life Home, hosts the stroll, starting at Credit score Union Place in
Summerside.
Stroll returns
The theme of the Coldest Night time of the Yr occasion in Summerside in assist Life Home, a shelter for girls and youngsters, can be “collectively,” stated Rev. Rachel Campbell of Trinity United Church, Summerside.
“(It’s) completely different from final 12 months after we needed to go digital, so what we missed was the prospect of getting collectively. I’m actually enthusiastic about us with the ability to have a good time this collectively in a single area. This 12 months we get to make the most of extra volunteers as a result of final 12 months it was actually simply the organizing staff and there was a few further volunteers.”
A two-km or five-km route each start and finish at Credit score Union Place. Test-in is at 5 p.m. Meals, refreshment and leisure can be supplied for the walkers, in addition to free tickets to the Western Capitals hockey sport at Credit score Union Place that night.
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“There are practically $30,000 Canadians each evening throughout the nation which can be homeless and hungry and in want of shelters. All of us right here acknowledge Life Home must be right here as a service, a sure want,” says Pastor Robbie Sevilla from Central Road Christian Church.
Greater than 200 walkers are anticipated, stated Rev. Cory Somers from Summerside Baptist Church.
“For every walker, there are in all probability 10 different folks standing behind them, supporting them, and that’s what the Coldest Night time is absolutely all about,” he stated.
Summerside has raised near $60,000, stated Don Reid from the Summerside Lions Membership.
“It’s very potential to achieve $80,000. Our aim is $100,000 and we have now till the top of March to realize $100,000.”
Jennie Pham is a second-year pupil within the journalism program at Holland Faculty in Charlottetown.
