The Coldest Night of the Year in 2020 had quite the turnout. (Photo: Jenna Kong)
The annual fundraiser for Outflow is back this Saturday and it’s going to be a cold one.
The Coldest Night of the Year is Outflow Mission’s biggest (and only) fundraiser and is dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger.
“The coldest night of the year is basically a Canada-wide event where it’s to bring knowledge about or light onto some of the people that need help or homeless or out in the weather, it brings light to their situation,” said Andy Alford, the event coordinator.
Alford said it’s easy to forget how cold it gets for people who don’t have shelter.
“We serve meals out of a building five days a week and just going or being out there with them or interacting with them you can get really cold and I’m only out there for an hour so I can’t imagine what it’s like being out there all night,” he said.
Alford said the walk itself is two to five km although there are some walkers who are out every day of February this year to bring light to the people who are in need. The event itself is on Saturday.
“Because of COVID-19, Saint John is doing a virtual walk, which means you can walk with your group, of course keeping COVID distancing and you can walk anywhere with your group to keep social distancing to keep away from a big gathering,” he said.
Walkers are planning their own routes this year and those who raise more than $150 win toques to wear.
Alford said most fundraising happens in the final week before the event, but any offered donations of money or items will be accepted after as well.
He said there’s also the option of not walking at all and donating to another walker or a team instead.
Donations can be made by going to Outflow’s website.
Outflow is a Saint John faith-based charity working to address unemployment, hunger, homelessness, and medical costs.
This will be its 9th year participating and the target goal is to raise $50,000.
