The Coldest Night of the Year (CNY) fundraiser is just around the corner, and according to Association Advocating for Women (AWAC) the number of registrations has seen a big spike.
The event itself is a winter walk-a-thon in which individuals have the option of registering a team or individually, to walk either 2km or 5km.
“At this point we have 88 individuals registered and counting, but we have an average of 20 people registering the day of, and we have 19 teams so far!” said CNY organizer Alanna Le Cerf.
“The numbers have just been growing and growing.”
The fundraiser helps homeless individuals get back on their feet, and last year’s event had a total of 21 teams, 130 walkers, raising a total of $27,500.
“So what the funding is predominately used for is something called a startup kit,” said Le Cerf.
“We purchase those little things that you don’t think of like a toaster, a shower curtain, some groceries, and we will access other community agencies to help us fill in those things they need, so they can settle into housing worry-free.”
According to organizers, the walk helps to raise not only funds but awareness about those experiencing homelessness during the cold winter months.
“Right now we are sitting at $15,000 and that astounds me!” she said.
The walk starts at St. Giles Presbyterian Church with registration and opening ceremonies, and walkers will make their way to a rest stop located at AWAC’s new sober living transitional housing facility.
Once the walk of either distance is completed, participants will return to the church for a meal.