Warm efforts for cold event

Coldest Night fundraiser on track for 2017

A popular event is returning with significant numbers.

More than 50 teams and 250 walkers have signed up for this year’s Coldest Night of the Year ‘Annapolis Valley.’

According to John Andrew, “we have reached 26 per cent of our goal already. We are on track for 55 teams and more than 500 walkers on Feb. 25th.”

Andrew says more than a dozen churches and church groups, over 13 business or financial institutions, a handful of sports clubs, two municipal councils and one union are on board for this year’s event to support Open Arms.

With more and more people searching for a helping hand with necessities such as food, clothing and shelter, it’s fortunate Valley generosity knows no bounds, Andrew has said.

Last year’s walk brought in close to $80,000, which was more than the $75,000 fundraising goal. Participants can chose to walk a two, five or 10 km route beginning from the Kentville fire hall. The funds raised for Open Arms will help people struggling with poverty.

The Annapolis Valley has been the top fundraising community for Coldest Night of the Year walks in the Atlantic and Quebec region.

Money raised through the walk comes back to the organization in the form of a grant. Open Arms has existing facilities in Kentville and Berwick.

For more information, visit www.cnoy.org