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More than 100 people came out to walk in a chilly February evening Saturday in the Coldest Night of the Year walk to raise money and awareness for services to the homeless and hurting families and youth in the Campbell River area.
Participants in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser took part in either a two kilometer or a five kilometer winter walk in downtown Campbell River, starting from the Navy League Hall at 5 p.m. It was a fun, family-friendly event that included a hot meal, and the chance to walk together to raise awareness of homelessness in the community. The Coldest Night of the Year is a nation-wide fundraiser, hosted by non-profit community groups in more than 100 locations.
The Campbell River event was organized this year by the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society, a non-profit society which operates the Ann Elmore Transition House and Rose Harbour Transitional Housing in Campbell River as well as safe homes in remote locations. The Ann Elmore House is a short-term emergency shelter which provides shelter, support, food, clothing and basic necessities for women and children at risk of abuse or violence. They also offer detox, supportive recovery and stabilization programs. Rose Harbour is a program which includes time-limited subsidized housing and services for clients who are impacted by homelessness, abuse, violence and/or substance misuse. Programs offered include in-house life skills workshops, Rent Smart training, health services, a community kitchen and much more. The Society also offers child and youth support services, outreach services, a 24 hour telephone help line and more.
Before the walk started, Mayor Andy Adams read out a city proclamation declaring Feb. 24 the Coldest Night of the Year Day in Campbell River.
