Mother Nature may have ended the deep freeze in the Foothills, but it’s still time to gear up for the Coldest Night of the Year.
The official event runs nationwide on Feb. 20, but co-host of the Okotoks event Pamela McLean, executive director of the Okotoks Food Bank, said walkers are encouraged to take on a 2km or 5km walk any time in February to complete the fundraiser trek.
“We have left it wide open,” said McLean. “So long as teams walk one day during the month of February we’re good.”
The Coldest Night of the Year takes place each February to raise awareness of those experiencing homelessness and the vulnerable people in the community, and to bring in donations for local causes working to help those in need.
In Okotoks, the food bank partners with Baby It’s Cold Outside to put on the event, with the two organizations splitting the proceeds.
Last year was the inaugural event, and McLean said it was a powerful fundraiser.
“There’s just something about participating in a national event and knowing that like-minded people across the whole country are walking at approximately the same time you are, all in cause of the homeless, the hungry and the helpless,” she said. “It’s very powerful when you have all those people together – I still get chills up and down my spine.”
So far this year there are more teams registered than in 2020, but fewer walkers as many of the teams consist of just one or two people, she said. Last year there was a total of 72 walkers. Donations and sponsorships are down as well, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m not going to lie, we are finding it hard to get the same kind of interest and build up that level of momentum,” said McLean. “It sure is different this year.”
It could be her most difficult fundraiser of the year, a contrast from such a successful and moving first event last February, she said.
They’re hoping to get at least 100 people walking, and to help raise awareness and some funds for an important cause.
“The homeless, the hungry and the helpless, they need our help more than ever,” said McLean.
She said the food bank shelves are in good shape right now, thanks to the giving spirit and numerous drives done during the Christmas season. It’s a typical trend.
“We start out the year quite good, and then usually around March is when I see the shelves are getting bare, and that generally is when I have to tap into my operating budget to actually start buying food to put in the hampers and put on the shelves,” said McLean.
Money raised from the Coldest Night of the Year goes directly into those food purchases, she said.
Pamela Morgan, of Baby It’s Cold Outside, said she’s pleased to be part of the collaborative effort to put on a meaningful fundraiser that raises awareness of an important cause and dire situation.
“First and foremost we need to bring awareness that homelessness and vulnerability is not biased,” said Morgan. “It happens locally and with the pandemic we are currently exposed to it’s becoming more and more a reality.”
There are many people who, prior to COVID-19, were not in the difficult positions they find themselves now, she said.
“With Baby It’s Cold Outside, our mandate is building healthy communities and supporting healthy communities,” said Morgan. “We take that very seriously and this is just one of the rights everyone should have, is food, clothing and shelter.”
While there may not be so-called “rough-sleepers” found on the streets or parks in Okotoks, she said there’s an undocumented homeless population in town with people who couch-surf or who have been forced out of their homes due to financial situations or job loss and are moving in with friends or family.
Anyone without a place to go is taken to a shelter in Calgary such as the Drop In Centre or the Mustard Seed, where they are provided for and kept safe, she said.
COVID-19 has played a role in increasing the number of displaced Okotokians, and it’s full effect likely hasn’t been felt yet, she said.
“I suspect the longer we carry on with this pandemic, kids are going to be moving home – and those kids aren’t necessarily going to be 20 years old,” said Morgan. “Sometimes those kids are going to be moving home with their parents, with their own kids in tow, because of our economy.
“We’re reaching a situation very quickly that we need to be proactive on making sure we’re taking care of that vulnerable population.”
To learn more about the Coldest Night of the Year event in Okotoks, or to donate or participate in the walk, visit https://cnoy.org/location/okotoks.
