Prince Albert YWCA CEO Donna Brooks accepts a cheque from Adam Ruszkowski. Ruszkowski Enterprises was this year's lead sponsor. (Submitted/ Jesse Powalinsky)

By Nigel Maxwell

Coldest night

Prince Albert Coldest Night of the Year raises $87,000

Feb 24, 2025 | 2:06 PM

Prince Albert’s most vulnerable have received a helping hand from the community in the form of $87,000

Over 130 people, divided up amongst 20 teams, came out for Saturday’s Coldest Night of the Year event and alone raised $62,000.

The Malcolm J Jenkins Family Foundation and Mark Ripley committed to matching donations up to $25,000, raising the final total to $87,000.

The funds support YWCA Prince Albert and Fund development officer David Hambleton noted they had set a goal of $70,000.

“We were well above that so that was absolutely fantastic. It was a very nice day for the event obviously with unseasonably warm temperatures after a stretch of you know brutally dangerously cold weather so it was a nice change,” he said.

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The walk has a few different lengths to choose from, accommodating everyone. (Facebook/ River Park Funeral Home)

Dressed in warm attire and fun costumes, participants in Saturday’s event walked through the city’s downtown area. In addition to the walkers, there was also enormous support from over two dozen local businesses in the form of sponsorships and donations (prizes and food).

“It’s just great to see so much community involvement in so many people that are passionate about getting involved in helping raise funds that go to help our community’s the most vulnerable that are experiencing hurt, hunger and and homelessness,” Hambleton said.

Prince Albert YWCA CEO Donna Brooks, who also participated in Saturday’s event and wore a mushroom costume, confirmed the money raised goes directly to programs to provide services that lack funding.

“For example, the Community Connection Centre hands out snacks, warm clothing, hygiene supplies, etc. In the shelter helps to cover client programming. All funds raised go directly to where it is needed the most,” she said.

Hambleton said thanked everyone who participated and helped out and is already promising next year’s event to be even bigger and better.

The Coldest Night of the Year event is held in many cities and towns in both Canada and the U.S. Similar walks were also held in Saskatoon and Regina.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social