The Coldest Night of the Year is returning to Port Alberni on Saturday, Feb. 22.
The annual fundraising walk takes place across more than 100 communities in Canada and, in Port Alberni, funds raised will go towards Sage Haven Society.
It's a "fun, family event," said Sage Haven's executive director Ellen Frood, where walkers don't necessarily have to be athletes to join the cause. Instead, people are encouraged to step out into the cold for a short walk in support of the community's most vulnerable.
"It's a lovely, scenic walk," said Frood. "People will get a chance to see different parts of the city. Really, it's about helping those in the community that are hurting, hungry and homeless, and bringing them in from the cold."
The event will be returning to the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 293 at Victoria Quay this year. The two-kilometre route will take walkers down Victoria Quay, Roger Street and Johnston Road, while the 5km route will add Stamp Avenue, Redford Street and 10th Avenue. Both routes will feature signage, marshals, rest stops and support vehicles along the way.
Teams often dress up in costumes for the event. After the walk, participants will gather at the Legion again for a bowl of chili (prepared by the local Salvation Army) and a silent auction.
The funds raised by the event will go towards Sage Haven Society's transition housing, second-stage housing and drop-in centre. However, Frood says fundraising has been a little slow this year. Last year, Sage Haven Society more than exceeded its $50,000 fundraising goal before the event began. This year's event is set at the same goal, but as of as of Wednesday, Feb. 12, it had only reached 59 percent of its fundraising goal.
"We have 19 teams registered, which is wonderful," said Frood. "But I think people are just slow to get started this year. There's usually a big push at the very end. But I'm a little worried about reaching our goal."
Even if people aren't able to join the walk in person, Frood says they can still get involved by joining a team online and volunteering to help raise money.
"You don't have to be here to help," said Frood. "If everybody could find 10 people to donate, that would make a huge difference."
The walk starts and ends at the Legion on Saturday, Feb. 22. Check-in starts at 4 p.m. and the send-off takes place at 5 p.m. To sign up for a team and get started fundraising, visit www.cnoy.org/location/portalberni.
