By Sam Borsato - (@BorsatoSam on Twitter)

Coldest Night aims to raise $40,000 for less fortunate

Feb 13, 2017 | 7:10 AM

LETHBRIDGE – It’s not too late to sign up for this year’s Coldest Night of the Year walk, in support of the Lethbridge Streets Alive Mission.

Eighteen teams and 71 walkers have already registered for the sixth annual walk. The goal is to raise $40,000, and introduce the younger population to what Streets Alive offers the less fortunate living in Lethbridge.
 
“We have 13 different programs that we operate. They vary anywhere from our PIN bank, which is our clothing bank… It will support our feeding program. It takes us three dollars a day to feed people on the streets,” Marie McLennan, associate director of philanthropy, explained.
 
She added that even the smallest donations are hugely important during this time of year. Coming away from the holidays, McLennan says it’s “a weak time for donations, but people still need to eat everyday.”
 
Those still interested in participating are encouraged to register online as soon as possible, for either the two, five or ten kilometre walk, in order to begin fundraising efforts. All participants are asked to be at Exhibition Park by 5 p.m. on February 25.
 
McLennan had just a few tips for those last minute fundraisers.
 
“The biggest thing to do is have fun with it! Sell hot dogs on a Friday, say you can wear your jeans on a Monday instead of a Friday, but it’s going to cost you two dollars… Those types of things tend to be really, really successful.
 
“People often have the misrepresentation that they have to give $50. Well that’s great, and we’ll take it, but it’s not absolutely necessary,” continued McLennan. “Every five bucks feeds a person for two nights.”
 
Lethbridge isn’t alone, however. Around 100 cities across Canada are expected to participate in support of agencies similar to Streets Alive.