YWCA Prince Albert is busy preparing for their Coldest Night of the Year walk on Feb. 20. (Submitted photo/David Hambleton)

By Becky Zimmer

Out for the homeless

Coldest Night welcomes everyone outside in support of YWCA

Feb 15, 2021 | 2:00 PM

The Prince Albert YWCA is asking for the community’s support for their third annual ‘Coldest Night of the Year’ fundraiser.

So far, 90 people have signed up, both individually and in teams, for their walking fundraiser on Feb. 20.

Due to COVID-19, the event will look a little different this year, but everyone is encouraged to visit the many wonderful walking trails across the city throughout the day in support of YWCA Prince Albert programs that assist members of the community who are experiencing homelessness.

“Rotary Trail, Kinsmen Park, head on out to Little Red Walking Trails, wherever they have a safe walking route, and they’re welcome to choose wherever they’d like to do their walking,” David Hambleton, fund developer and volunteer coordinator for YWCA Prince Albert told paNOW.

This year’s event does have to be more subdued, but Hambleton said there will still be an online opening ceremonies at 2 p.m. before everyone is encouraged to go out for their two- to five-kilometre Coldest Night walks. An online auction will also be available with bids being accepted from Feb. 18 to Feb. 20.

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This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for YWCA Prince Albert and donations have already been pouring in with monetary donations and goods and services for the auction, Hambleton said.

“All the money that we raised will be used by our organization to provide programs and services for the clients and community members that are struggling and suffering at this point in time,” he said.

While they have raised money this year, all proceeds for their third annual event will go directly to the programs designed to find housing options, services, and other supports for clients.

“We’re like the biggest organization in the city providing numerous types of supports and services for all kinds of vulnerable community members…it’s no small financial feat to be providing the services to the community members that are in need,” Hambleton said.

YWCA Prince Albert is the leading organization in the city for addressing vulnerable community members, Hambleton said.

Previous Coldest Night fundraising efforts have gone specifically to the Cold Weather Cot program but due to the increase in need across the YWCA Prince Albert’s multiple shelter locations, Hambleton said they will be spreading the funds raised across the city.

YWCA Prince Albert would like to thank their sponsors, including the Prince Albert Grand Council and Malcolm Jenkins who is matching donations on behalf of Canadian Tire.

For more information or to sign up for Coldest Night events, click here.

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becky.zimmer@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @bex_zim