Coldest Night of the Year returns to Cloverdale Feb. 22.
Hosted by the Cloverdale Community Kitchen (CCK), the annual fundraiser is a nation-wide family-friendly event that helps support the less fortunate, while at the same time raises awareness about homelessness in the Cloverdale community.
CCK is inviting the community to join in and support those in need.
"Every dollar raised through this walk directly impacts our ability to provide nutritious food to families in need," said Lindsay Rempel, director of meal programs for CCK. 鈥淭his event is an opportunity for the community to come together and make a real difference."
She added the funds will also help to reduce the Kitchen鈥檚 current 500-family food bank waitlist.
Thousands of people take part in communities across Canada for 鈥淐oldest Night.鈥� People gather in teams, or as individuals, raise pledges, and walk through their local towns.
鈥淏y walking together in the chill of the night, participants will better understand the experience of being on the streets during a cold Canadian winter,鈥� Rempel explained.
She encouraged Cloverdalians to grab friends, family, coworkers, and neighbours to start up a fundraising team.
鈥淭his is a fun, family event where you can also feel good about giving back to your community,鈥� she added. 鈥淥ne hundred per cent of the funds raised stay in Cloverdale and help us continue to serve those who need a little extra hand-up. Every dollar makes a difference and together we can do so much.鈥�
The in-person Cloverdale walk begins and ends at the Community Kitchen. Walkers will be able to register, turn in results of their fundraising efforts, and return for a post-walk meal afterwards.
This is the Community Kitchen's 12th year taking part in Coldest Night. This year's community sponsors include: Katronis Real Estate Team, EllisDon Corporation, and Peak Construction Group.
With just over three weeks to go, CCK has already raised 36 per cent of its fundraising total鈥� Last year, the Kitchen raised more than $232K during Coldest Night鈥攖he second most for any location in Canada.
Canada-wide, all locations broke the overall goal of $13 million in 2024, raising $1.1 million more than in 2023, with all participants together raising just under $13.5 million.
More than 275 walkers on 66 teams have already signed up for Cloverdale鈥檚 Coldest Night.
Participants will walk a two kilometre or five kilometre route. There will also be rest stops along the way where participants can warm up with some hot drinks. Those who raise more than $150 ($75 for youth) will also be given one of the yearly special CNOY toques.
Anyone who wants to sign up to support Coldest Night can register by visiting .
The Cloverdale Community Kitchen has been serving Cloverdale since 2011. They are located at 5337 180th Street. For more info on Coldest Night, or the Kitchen, .
