While not quite reaching the $200,000 goal, this year’s Coldest Night of the Year still demonstrated the generosity of the Comox Valley and its citizens.
That is according to Comox Valley Transition Society executive director Heather Ney. She says $175,000 is still a large sum of money for the non-profits, which will help them bring more affordable housing and other services to the area’s unhoused.
Ney adds they are very grateful for all those who came out and walked. Over 500 were signed up for the walk, while many other teams participated in the annual event.
“People came out in droves and walked and got a bit of sense of what it’s like to be outside in the cold on Saturday evening at Native Sons Hall,” said Ney.
“It is a significant amount of unrestricted funds we can use to support our housing projects and the people that are living in them, funds that aren’t coming from the government and where we can fill in some of the gaps that contracts and government funding don’t fill.”
The total, while around 87 per cent of the fundraiser’s goal, is still impressive especially when compared to other municipalities in the country. Around 190 communities took part this year, and the Comox Valley was just outside of the top 10 in 12th place in terms of dollars raised.
The area is also in third spot for the province, behind White Rock and South Surrey.
“It was noted at the event on Saturday that the Comox Valley has raised over $1 million in the last nine years with CNOY,” added Ney.
While they are not quite at their goal, Ney says there is still time to donate and get them closer to the $200,000 mark.
Donations are still being accepted online until Mar. 31, and cash and cheques can be dropped off at the Transition Society’s office at 625 England Ave. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Ney wants to thank all the donors, walkers, volunteers, team captains, and sponsors for making the event possible.
“It takes a village to make an event this size successful and so we’re really grateful for people’s time and energy,” said Ney.
