Participants arrive back at Save-On-Foods following the Coldest Night of the Year annual fundraiser Saturday. (Charlene Tebbutt/paNOW Staff)

By Charlene Tebbutt

Coldest Night of the year

Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser reaches milestone

Feb 24, 2019 | 2:47 PM

An annual fundraiser in support of the city’s homeless reached a milestone Saturday, raising the most funds ever for those in need in the community.

Organizers with the Coldest Night of the Year event were happy to announce that more than $18,000 had been raised this year, the most ever so far. Money raised through the event will go to Our House in Prince Albert, which provides emergency shelter and transitional housing to women and men in need.

While the group didn’t quite reach its goal of $25,000, local event coordinator Shona Stapleton said the support from residents and local businesses made the event a huge success.

“I’m still happy with the outcome,” she said. “We’ve had personal sponsorships [and] we’ve had so many businesses that have given to us, whether it be in-kind services or a cheque.”

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About 50 people braved the wind chill Saturday evening to take part in the walk. While the route was shortened somewhat due to the temperature, those who participated got a chance to experience some of the challenges of living on the street.

“It’s about the plight of the homeless, it’s about following the walk that they walk, going the places that they go to try and keep warm,” Stapleton said. “It kind of brings out the compassion in people when they understand what the issue is.”

Stapleton said there is still time to contribute to the Coldest Night of the Year initiative. Donations can be made online until the end of March, she said.

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charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt