The third annual Coldest Night of the Year in Duncan brought out more than 300 walkers and raised more than $62,000.
The Canadian Mental Health Association-Cowichan Valley Branch united Cowichan Valley residents for a third year on Feb. 24 for the annual family friendly fundraising walk where participants braved the elements for a small taste of what the unhoused population face all year long. This event supports an ongoing capital campaign to create a Safe Place for Youth; supporting youth experiencing hunger, hurt, and homelessness in the Cowichan Valley.
“Community members need to participate in this event because participation acknowledges we have a problem. Participation, and donorship acknowledge that we won’t stand passively while youth continue to live at risk on the streets,” said the Association’s Jennifer Lazenby. “We will be a voice. We will take action. We support change. Our fundraised dollars support this change. Our actions bring hope and connections to youth in the Cowichan Valley. Our donated dollars bring the vision of a Safe Space for Youth, a 24/7 shelter space for youth with resources and support closer to becoming a reality.”
Hosted on the traditional lands of the Cowichan people, this event based out of the Cowichan Community Centre saw 353 registered participants take either the 2 or 5 km route. More than 140 walkers sported this year’s CNOY tuques, which were earned when adults fundraised more than $150 ($75 for youth).
Seven individuals raised more than $1,000 each while the top fundraiser was Jennifer Walls of Team St. Andrews Church who raised $1,425. The top teams were Team New Life raising $6,184 and Cowichan Hospice Hearts who raised $5,962.13. Organizers announced that the event raised $62,635. The monies raised from the three Coldest Night events are being held in trust in a restricted term deposit for a Youth Safe Space capital fund. The funds will be used to purchase a building to support programs and youth in the community. Those who missed the walk still have a chance to make a difference — donations are being accepted at cnoy.org/location/duncan until March 31, or throughout the year at the Association’s Cowichan branch.
Fifty-six volunteers welcomed, registered, and fed participants. Cowichan Search and Rescue members volunteered their time to be Route Marshals to ensure that participants were safe and did not get lost, seven non-profit agencies had displays set up in the hall while a children’s area kept young ones engaged in activities. Gibby’s Café and Panago Pizza supported the celebration of participants’ efforts. Other community sponsors included Cowichan Tribes, BC Housing and Home Depot #7272.
Next year’s walk is on Feb. 22, 2025.
“It is my hope that this year’s participants felt they were bringing hope and change for at-risk youth in Cowichan, and that this annual event positively impacts the lives of many,” said Lazenby. “I hope the participants, donors, and volunteers feel this event was fun and brought social impact. Next year they bring their family, friends, and neighbours while continuing to open their hearts and wallets. It builds trust that community members, organizations, businesses, and governments have similar goals and together we can be the solution.”