The Coldest Night of the Year will still raise thousands of dollars for the Island Crisis Care Society, despite the ongoing pandemic. (Coldest Night of the Year)

By Spencer Sterritt

welcome support

Coldest ‘Month’ of the Year annual event presses on to tackle homelessness crisis

Feb 7, 2021 | 7:08 AM

NANAIMO — The annual Coldest Night of the Year event is adapting and expanding to combat both the increasing rise in homelessness and the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the event normally held on one cold February night is happening throughout the entire month of February. Those fundraising for the Island Crisis Care Society will walk either two, five or 10 kilometres at their own pace by themselves or in their bubble.

Elspeth Erickson, event coordinator for Island Crisis Care Society, said she believes people will avoid doing their walk on the sunniest and warmest February day.

“We’re hopeful people still keep in the mind the idea that walking outside in the elements during a month like February is chilly and dense. The idea is to get a sliver of a taste of what it must be like for people who don’t have the option to go inside after their walk.”

This is the 10th anniversary of the Coldest Night of the Year walk in Nanaimo.

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When it began, census counts provided by the City of Nanaimo showed roughly 300 people were experiencing homelessness. The most recent 2020 count showed upwards of 600 people are living rough on Nanaimo streets.

Last year’s event exceeded the $40,000 goal. Erickson said they hope to raise $45,000 this year, which was even a modest goal given the uncertainly around COVID-19.

“There’s been significant enthusiasm to take part. Our online signups have already well surpassed previous years here in Nanaimo. After having so long where we’ve been not able to be part of our community, Coldest Night of the Year gives us a chance to actually embrace being part of our community even if we can’t be doing it all together.”

She said it’s possible Island Crisis Care Society will increase their goal if they see strong support throughout the month.

The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t doing away with all traditional aspects of the walk. Instead of having a bowl of chili and hot chocolate after the walk, participants will instead be mailed a treat bag with all the ingredients to make chili themselves.

The eye-catching toques will also be distributed.

Anyone interested in registering for the Nanaimo or Oceanside event still can online.

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

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt