Fight homelessness at Coldest Night of the Year charity walk in Kelowna this weekend

KELOWNA – The growing issue of homelessness will be the focus of a charity walk this weekend.

The Coldest Night of the Year is an annual fundraiser by Metro Community. This year they have partnered with the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation for an event that starts at Sandhill Wines on Richter Street on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 5:15 p.m.

After collecting pledges from family, friends and colleagues, participants choose either a 2 km, 5 km or 10 km route.

Walkers and volunteers receive a warm, light meal, maps of each route and a CNOY toque.

Registration begins at 4 p.m. with opening ceremonies starting one hour later.

To participate, youths must pay either $25 or raise a minimum of $75, adults pay the same or must raise at least $150.

Route marshalls, rest stop attendants, and sweep vehicle drivers will be available for support along the route, and children with guardians are welcome.

The event website recommends bringing pledge forms, cash or cheques, a signed waiver, waterproof walking shoes or boots, warm coats and gloves.

“Join our Coldest Night of the Year Walk to directly benefit and come alongside the most vulnerable and excluded of the Okanagan Valley,” the website says.

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