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Okotoks walkers helping warm hearts and the homeless

More than 65 participants in first Coldest Night of the Year walk in Okotoks on Feb. 22.

Kind souls and some well-heeled soles helped bring some warmth for a cold winter’s night.

More than 65 people participated in the first Coldest Night of the Year Walk in Okotoks on Feb. 22. Proceeds from the estimated $15,000 raised will be split between the Okotoks chapter of Baby It’s Cold Outside and the Okotoks Food Bank.

“We’re super-happy,” said Pamela Morgan, director of the Okotoks chapter of Baby It’s Cold Outside. “Sixty-seven walkers today, 30 volunteers. This was our very first year, and next year, we’re already thinking of doubling that number.”

The Okotoks chapter is looking at bringing transitional housing within the next five years for those in the community who are struggling to make ends meet.

“It won’t be a shelter, it’s for people who are trying to make that next step – get on their feet, that next step to be on their own,” Morgan explained. “We would take on families, single individuals, give them that spot to get back on their feet and also the tools to make them independent.”

She said in Okotoks homelessness does not consist of the “rough sleepers” -- those spending the night outside.

“We have hidden homeless,” Morgan said. “That is what you and I would know as couch-surfers. Going from buddy-to-buddy-to-buddy to try and get their feet underneath them.”

However, she said she has been aware of individuals in Okotoks who have been living in their vehicles. She said in such cases Baby It’s Cold Outside helps get them to the proper agencies in Calgary.

“Baby It’s Cold Outside works a lot with the Drop-In centre and The Mustard Seed so that they have food and clothing and a warm place to sleep,” she said.

Twenty of the walkers were members of the St. James Youth Ministry in Okotoks.

“Just to help the homeless and raise awareness for them,” said St. John Paul II Collegiate student Brody Van Der Marel when asked why he wanted to participate.

The youth group raised $1,900 for the cause. Some of that money was raised doing something plenty in the community are frightened of – public speaking.

The 13-year-old Van Der Marel spoke in front of a packed mass asking for donations to support the youths’ cause.

“The first time it was kind of scary, but then I got the hang of it,” he said with a smile.

Pamela McLean, Okotoks Food Bank executive director, was once again amazed by the support from the community.

“Did you see how many people were here today?” she exclaimed. “This is amazing. This will help get us through for a while.”

For information about Baby It’s Cold Outside go to bcocharity.weebly.com

 

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