The 2021 Coldest Night of the Year walk is set for February 20, 2021 (Photo provided by Streets Alive Mission)

By Justin Goulet

Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser adds virtual option for 2021 event

Jan 25, 2021 | 10:55 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – As the temperature starts to drop across the region, residents are getting set for the Coldest Night of the Year.

The annual fundraising walk is a nation-wide event that helps raise awareness for people who are stuck out in the cold each and every night. Funds raised from the walk go toward organizations that help out those people in need.

In Lethbridge, Streets Alive Mission is behind the fundraiser. 2021 marks its tenth year being involved. This year’s walk will take place on February 20, with goal being to raise $24,000.

“Those funds go directly to our homeless programs,” said Jennifer Lepko, director of fund development at Streets Alive Mission.

“They go to help with [purchasing] any food, to help purchase mittens and gloves, extra coats, pants, those types of things. They go directly to people who are in need and that’s what all of the funds at Streets Alive [go to]. They really do go straight to the people who are in need of anything.”

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The fundraiser has had to change things up a bit due to COVID-19, so this year, there will be the physical walk on February 20, as well as a virtual component.

On February 20, walkers will start and end their jaunt at the Land-O-Lakes Golf and County Club in Coaldale. Time slots will be set up to allow for social distancing and adherence to COVID-19 restrictions.

Participants can choose to walk a two-kilometre stretch or a five-kilometre route.

VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION

Lepko explained that those not able to attend the in-person walk on February 20 can still participate virtually.

Virtual participants can walk as a team or individually.

“You can raise your own money [and] you know, go out and take your dog for a walk, go out and just walk around the neighborhood but you can do your walk any time, anywhere and still raise funds for an amazing event,” Lepko said.

Those taking part virtually can walk any time from now until February 28.

“It [the virtual walk] gives the opportunity for people to connect in a time when it’s harder to connect with people,” Lepko told LNN.

“Here’s an opportunity for neighbours, for students to challenge each other and make a difference in somebody else’s world, at the same time being able to connect, which we know is something that’s a little harder this time of year.”

All participants (virtual or in-person) who raise over $150 (or $75 for youth) will receive a Coldest Night of the Year toque to wear as part of their walks.

In addition to their goal of raising $24,000, Streets Alive Mission hopes to have 100 walkers and 40 teams participate in the event.

Registration for the 2021 Coldest Night of the Year can be done online here.