Port Alberni City Councillor Debbie Haggard was worried that the Coldest Night of the Year in Port Alberni would be re-branded to "Wettest Night of the Year."
Luckily, the heavy rainfall on Saturday, Feb. 22 slowed to a drizzle just before the start of the evening event, which kicked off at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 293. More than 100 participants walked around town while fundraising for Port Alberni's Sage Haven Society. After the walk, participants returned to the legion for some warm chili and a silent auction.
Haggard was the emcee of the event, which she said is one of her favourite events to attend every year.
"This walk, this night is very important for Sage Haven Society, because it helps to raise money for the good work that they do in our community," explained Haggard. "It is truly special to see so many people here tonight braving this rainy, blustery winter weather to help support Sage Haven."
Tseshaht First Nation singer and drummer Aaron Watts performed a welcome song to open the event, after which the nation presented a $500 cheque to Sage Haven Society for the Coldest Night of the Year. Jennifer Gallic, an elected Tseshaht First Nation councillor and a director on the Sage Haven Society board, said she was "proud and honoured" to see so much support for Sage Haven Society in Port Alberni.
"I can't say enough good things about what they're doing in Port Alberni, and it's really heartwarming to be here today," Gallic said.
Hupacasath First Nation Elected Chief Councillor Brandy Lauder, who also joined the traditional welcome on Saturday, agreed that Sage Haven helps and supports people "who really need it at their worst times."
For years, Sage Haven Society (formerly known as Alberni Community and Women's Services Society) has been bringing people out of the cold and into the warmth of their drop-in centre on Third Avenue, their transition housing and their new second stage housing, which officially opened in 2023. Sage Haven Society executive director Ellen Frood says the second stage housing complex is "fully occupied" right now.
"We couldn't have done it without this community," said Frood. "We couldn't do it without all of you."
Although Sage Haven Society hadn't reached their $50,000 fundraising goal by the end of the walk, they are now more than 90 percent of the way to their goal. Donations are still being accepted online through www.cnoy.org/location/portalberni.
