The Alberni Community and Women’s Services Society (ACAWS) is encouraging Port Alberni residents to come out for a walk in the cold in February.
Coldest Night of the Year is a fundraiser that takes place annually across Canada on Saturday, Feb. 25, but this is the first time it’s coming to the Alberni Valley.
“It’s a first-ever fundraiser for us,” said ACAWS executive director Ellen Frood. “We’re recognizing that there are people out in the cold and suffering. We serve many people in the area who are impacted by lack of food or lack of shelter.”
Participants can choose between a 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km walk, which Frood says makes it a good event for the family. “The whole family can come out and make it a nice walk,” Frood said.
The event is a team-based one: teams can register for the walk and compete to raise the most funds. “We’re looking for people in the community to issue challenges,” said Frood.
She said they are hoping to have a team from the city, as well as the RCMP and the fire department.
“It’s called the ‘coldest night,’ but it might not be, the name is simply symbolic,” Frood explained. “The theme is all around raising money for getting people out of the cold.”
The walk will begin at 4 p.m., and will end with a homemade chili supper when walkers are finished.
You can register for this event online, through a link on the ACAWS website at acaws.ca. For more information, contact Carol Hanson at 250-724-7111.
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