More and more walkers in Nanaimo and the Oceanside area are joining Coldest Night of the Year, with more than 250 walkers taking part last year. (Island Crisis Care Society)

By Spencer Sterritt

braving the cold

More walkers hitting the streets for Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser

Jan 18, 2020 | 11:38 PM

NANAIMO — More community members are recognizing the need to band together and help support those experiencing homelessness.

Last year, the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser had more than 250 people walk Nanaimo streets after fundraising for the Island Crisis Care Society. They also exceeded their fundraising goal of $40,000.

Corrie Corfield with the Society said more and more people turn out each year to brave the either two, five or 10 kilometre walk on a cold February night.

“People find events like this are a great way to get out and do something positive to support the community. We can come together and stand alongside each other to show we’re in support of supporting people.”

Money raised from the annual walk supports a variety of programs at Island Crisis Care Society, from their shelter spaces to rent subsidies.

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“You don’t have to look far in the community to see there’s a huge need,” Corfield said. “There’s organizations and groups doing everything they can, but right now the need is tremendous.”

Corfield says she’s heard the number of people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo is more than 600 people. A more accurate snapshot of the situation on Nanaimo streets is expected in coming months.

There’s a new location for the Coldest Night of the Year walk in Nanaimo. This year, Island Crisis Care Society has more formally partnered with the Salvation Army and the route now begins at their church on Eighth St.

“It’s a really great opportunity to get the word out about another great agency in our community helping those in need,” Corfield said.

This year, the fundraising goal was raised to $60,000.

Those interested can sign up for the walk online.

Island Crisis Care Society is also running a Coldest Night of the Year event in the Oceanside region.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit