The Coldest Night of the Year is just a month away from bringing the Greater Trail community together to raise money and awareness for those experiencing poverty.
This annual fundraising walk will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Hosted by Skills Centre staff for the fourth consecutive year, the Trail event will start and finish at their new downtown building, located at 1060 Eldorado Street.
“We’re asking you to join a team of walkers, gather your friends or coworkers to create a team, or support a team with a donation,” says Emily Gora, deputy executive director and development manager at the Skills Centre. “There are so many ways to get involved in Coldest Night of the Year. Don’t simply walk on by.”
Participants can choose between a two-kilometre (km) route that loops around the two downtown Trail bridges or a five-km route that extends to Gyro Park and back.
Gora encourages everyone to “bring your walking playlist and walk that line.”
Volunteers are also welcome to help make the event a success.
This year’s fundraising goal is $20,000, and Gora is confident the community will rise to the occasion.
“Most of the money stays in the community and supports poverty reduction right here in Trail,” she says.
Funds raised in previous years have supported initiatives such as the Skills Centre’s Community Kitchens program, the La Nina Shelter, and the Trail Community Action Team’s efforts to reduce stigma around substance use.
Businesses and individuals can support the cause by donating or becoming sponsors.
Business sponsorships start at $500 and include multiple recognition opportunities. Donations and registrations can be made online at cnoy.org/trail or by contacting the Skills Centre.
Check-in for the Coldest Night of the Year walk on Feb. 22 opens at 4 p.m., the walk starts at 5 p.m., and there will be a light meal at 6 p.m. for everyone participating.
The Skills Centre has a long history of delivering innovative programs to support youth, women, immigrants, newcomers, and people living with low income.
Their poverty reduction initiatives include: food security projects, such as community kitchens, affordable housing directories and advocacy for supportive housing in Trail, living wage advocacy and the Ending Working Poverty project in partnership with the Tamarack Institute.
Sign up, donate, or learn more at www.cnoy.org/trail.
