Island Crisis Care Society supporters will set out and brave the elements in a fundraising walk this weekend benefiting those in need.
The society will host the Coldest Night of the Year walk Saturday, Feb. 22, beginning at the Salvation Army Nanaimo Community Church on Eighth Street. Registration is at 4 p.m. with the walk beginning at 5:15 p.m., according to Corrie Corfield, society assistant executive director.
She said all money raised from the Nanaimo event will be spent locally, with nine programs in the area including shelter housing for people in “immediate crisis need” and supportive housing.
“So the money will go to help all of the extras for any of those programs … and also we have some supportive recovery programs,” said Corfield. “People who are in recovery themselves, or who are just going through a crisis situation whether it be substance use or mental health or even physical health issues and they just need a safe place to be. That’s what our programs are there to support.”
RELATED: Warm your heart with Coldest Night of the Year walk
As is tradition, people taking part will receive a tuque, which Corfield says are “lovely.”
“They’re kind of a soft heather grey with a white and blue band and a little snowflake logo on them,” she said.
There are two-, five- and 10-kilometre routes with directions varying around the Harewood and downtown areas of Nanaimo.
“All of them start at the Salvation Army and go around the community in that way,” said Corfield. “The 10-kilometre route actually goes as far as Comox (Road), so more into downtown. It is a long route, but it is right through the heart of the community.”
A chili and bun meal will be served after participants complete their walk.
For more information, including how to donate and route maps, go to cnoy.org/location/nanaimo.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
Like us on Facebook and follow Karl on Twitter and Instagram