Island Crisis Care Society has its sights set on a $40,000 fundraising goal as its Coldest Night of the Year walk approaches.
The walk takes place Saturday, Feb. 24 beginning at John Barsby Secondary School, with registration at 4 p.m. Last year approximately $38,800 was raised, according to Michelle Authier, an event coordinator, and the aim is to better that by $1,200.
“Those who are participating in the walk get a sense for what it’s like to be out in the cold, so it kind of replicates a homelessness moment and to feel the effects and then coming in out of the cold to a warm meal to share together,” said Authier. “We make it a community meal and it’s quite simple to replicate what you would get in a shelter environment.”
People who meet fundraising goals receives tuques or pins as mementos.
There will be two-, five- and 10-kilometre route options and proceeds from the walk go directly to the society.
“This year, our focus is going to be on the Samaritan House More Room for Hope campaign (Samaritan House women’s shelter expansion) and so a lot of those funds that will come in will be utilized to support that,” Authier said.
As of last week, more than $19,000 had been raised.
Authier said she needs about 25 more volunteers.
For more information, please go to www.cnoy.org/location/nanaimo or www.islandcrisiscaresociety.ca.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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