Quesnel’s Amata Transition House is bundling up for a stroll on the Coldest Night of the Year on February 22.
It will be Amata’s second Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising walk, to spread awareness for people experiences hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
“Most of our clientele are experiencing homelessness even on the coldest night of the year,” says Becky Jaques, organizer of the CNOY walk. “That’s why they [Amata] chose to do this on a wintery night. So, you can imagine and feel what it would be like sleeping on the streets in winter.”
The proceeds by donation go through Amata’s Women and Children’s Relief Fund, buying life essentials for people in need; including medication, food, baby and house items, and even replacing IDs.
Over 80 people walked through the brisk weather last year and raised over $10,000 for Amata’s first CNOY event. Jaques says it was one of Amata’s biggest fundraising events last year. This year, more community sponsors are more involved.
“This year we have our local MacDonald’s and the downtown association sponsoring us. A lot of businesses that we work with throughout the year reached out and wanted to do something. So many places have donated and sponsored us, it’s been great.
There is a 2 km and a 5 km route to choose from on February 22. The majority of both routes will travel through Quesnel, starting and ending at Amata’s office on McLean St.
“We have a hot dog roast and a hot chocolate bar. We also have a pit stop on the route just behind the Billy Barker Casino,” Jaques details. “Everyone is welcome to join us for the walk.”
Details on the routes, as well as where and how to donate for the CNOY can be found on the event’s website.
“We are super thankful for the community and the support they’ve given and shown us. We’re looking forward to this year and many more years to come.”
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