There were some warm hearts during the Coldest Night of the Year.
About 300 people raised $31,000 during the inaugural fundraising walk for the Upper Room Mission Saturday.
“It was just awesome,” said Lisa Froom, executive director.
“We did better than expected. We are super pumped and can’t wait for next year.”
The event included both a five-kilometre and a 10-kilometre walk through the streets of Vernon.
“They (participants) were so excited and they really connected with each other,” said Froom.
Once the walk was over, participants enjoyed chili provided by the Lions Club.
The event’s original goal was to raise $25,000 towards a new sprinkler system for the mission.
“The work has to be done by May,” said Froom, adding that a sprinkler system has been mandated by the city.
“We have to do this to continue operating and to be open for our clients.”
The cost of the sprinkler system ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 and other funding sources are being sought.
A $3,500 grant was just received from Home Depot.
Donations for Coldest Night of the Year can be made until March 15 at coldestnightoftheyear.org or by calling 250-549-1231.
