Walked participated in the annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser, held this year through the month of February. (submitted/Island Crisis Care Society)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

PROFITABLE WALK

Coldest ‘month’ of the year triggers red-hot donations in Nanaimo, Oceanside

Feb 23, 2021 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — Changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have shifted how the Coldest Night of the Year ran in 2021, but it couldn’t cancel the spirit.

Both events, in Nanaimo and Parksville/Oceanside, eclipsed fundraising goals with time to spare. Nanaimo raised over $53,000 on its $45,000 goal, while Parksville/Oceanside just met its $40,000 goal.

Elspeth Erickson, event coordinator for the Nanaimo walk, told NanaimoNewsNOW they were unsure how this year would go, with group gathering limitations meaning the fundraiser adjusted from a one night event to a month-long promotion.

“Having organized the event for several years and seeing that people do like to come together…seeing the uptake and creativity of people, the way more people in fact got involved because they had the flexibility, that’s been a learning for us.”

As part of this year’s modified event, walkers were encouraged to hit the streets in small, family bubbles. Many were out on area streets on Saturday, Feb. 22 in the trademark blue and yellow toques.

niche amenities

Trio of community park projects advancing in Nanaimo

8h ago

final farewell

Family, friends and fans to gather at memorial for former B.C. premier John Horgan

9h ago

holiday vibes

Grizzlies spoil Clippers' teddy bear toss night

16h ago

“That’s the traditional moment when we would have walked if we’d had an in person event. They felt like it was the moment to step out there and take their walk on that day.”

When planning for the 2022 event begins, Erickson said they’ll likely factor in a virtual component, even if they’re allowed to host a mass gathering.

The money raised on both communities goes to the Island Crisis Care Society to support their slate of programs, working with people who have or are dealing with homelessness, trauma or other challenges.

Donations can still be made to both the Nanaimo and Parksville/Oceanside events.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW