The Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser is February 26, 2022. The local event takes place in Coaldale. (Photo courtesy Streets Alive Mission)

By Justin Goulet

Coldest Night of the Year set for February 26

Feb 22, 2022 | 11:46 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraiser is coming to Lethbridge.

The annual initiative takes place across the country. It aims to raise awareness on the struggles faced by the homeless, hurt and hungry. It’s set to take place Saturday, February 26, 2022.

Streets Alive Mission is organizing the walking event in Lethbridge. Director of fund development Jennifer Lepko explained that participants can raise funds leading up to the event and on event day, they can walk a two or five-kilometre track at Land-O-Lakes Golf & Country Club in Coaldale.

Alternatively, participants have a virtual option. Lepko said, “anyone can sign up any time and walk virtually or they can sign up and walk on February 26^th with a bunch of people.”

“We have different scheduled times throughout the day, just to make sure that we’re following any restrictions that may be in place.”

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Lepko explained that with the virtual option, people can walk wherever and whenever they would like.

“I know last year, we had a couple that went [walking] and every day, they did a loop around the block because they were just not in a position where they could walk a full two kilometres so they were able to, you know, every day take a walk around the block and then it just added up.”

She commented that “the point of the whole thing is really that, you know, we’re walking for a great cause.”

“We’re walking for someone else. Even if you’re not going to be able to completely make your two kilometres, the intention is there, and the outcome is great.”

Participants can donate to the cause themselves or collect donations from friends, family and neighbours.

Streets Alive Mission’s goal for the 2022 event is to raise $70,000 with the support of 40-plus teams and more than 250 walkers. Lepko said funds will go towards their outreach efforts.

“It helps the outreach team go out and do wellness checks, make sure that people aren’t, you know especially when it’s cold, hiding in some corner where they are too cold to move, so we make sure they’re out and about and really just providing the coffee, giving them a place to come in and warm up from the cold.”

Members of the Streets Alive Mission team purchase food, socks and winter jackets to keep people warm.

Lepko is hopeful for a strong turnout, especially on the heels of a cold winter and holiday season.

She said, “we experienced a really cold winter there around Christmas and a I think a lot of people realize that we were actually losing people to the cold.”

“What we want to do here at Streets Alive Mission is provide them with a place that they can come in, warm up, get some gloves, get some warm socks, a warm pair of boots, winter coat – just those basic needs that those that have nothing need. All the funds go directly to supporting those that are on our streets that need a little extra help.”

More on the event is available at the Coldest Night of the Year website.