Coldest Night walk trekking across Land-O-Lakes golf course

More than ever, this chilly walk is a crucial one.

The Streets Alive Mission’s The Coldest Night of the Year Walk will trek across the Land-O-Lakes Golf and Country Club in Coaldale Feb.

20.

In a past year ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic that has broken people spiritually as well as financially, this year’s fundraising walk to help Lethbridge’s homeless, hungry and hurting just took on a greater importance.

“I think we need these types of things happing here and now, seeing what COVID has done to our economy and people’s jobs,” said Jennifer Lepko, Director of Fund Development for Streets Alive Mission. “We are seeing a huge increase in poverty, not only across the globe and the country, but right here in Lethbridge. When we have those extra dollars in our pockets it’s nice to be able to help those who are really struggling, especially right now. We need to be able to help those individuals the best we can.”

With that in mind, this year’s Coldest Night of the Year Walk — Streets Alive Mission’s 10th year taking part in the event — will get afoot with an altered format, allowing people to take part in the actual walk Feb. 20 or raise funds virtually.

Either way, Lepko noted it’s a chance for participants to enjoy each others company after a year of social distancing and isolation, but still remain respectful of pandemic protocol in the walk designed to get people outdoors in the cold to gain an understanding of what homeless people have to endure in the winter months.

“Not only is it an opportunity for more engagement for our fundraiser, but it’s also a huge opportunity for people to do something in a safe way,” she said. “There are still COVID restrictions, but they can participate in a group activity and feel involved and connected. There’s a huge gap in our world right now, the connection piece.”

The walk will take place in staggered starts at the Land-O-Lakes Golf and Country Club.

Participants will be able to walk a 2km or 5km route for a quick and safe taste of the cold.

“Land-O-Lakes has been very kind to allow us to use the golf course,” said Lepko. “So we don’t have to worry about crossing roads and any of those types of things. As people register they can select a time slot. We’re going to run multiple time slots to make sure we’re following the restrictions.”

The main start times are 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“We’ll make sure people are socially distanced and send them off in groups,” said Lepko. “We usually have a meal we provide for our participants. But Land-O-Lakes is giving us a coupon for pizza that can be redeemed at any time.”

Walkers will also include staff and friends of Streets Alive Mission, area church teams and representatives of businesses in town.

Those who don’t take part in the actual walk can still raise funds on their own, be it solo or with their COVID-safe team, said Lepko.

“They can monitor themselves. It would be great to have video, we love pictures and videos of people doing the walk. It’ll be honour system. They can go out and walk their dog like they usually do and at the same time raise funds for a great cause.”

Virtual walkers can walk anytime from now until Feb. 28.

There are fundraising incentives this year, with youths and adults who raise more than $75 and $150 — respectively — earning a blue and yellow “Coldest Night of the Year” toque.

Those wanting to take part in this year’s Coldest Night of the Year Walk can register at https://cnoy.org/location/lethbridge.

“They can get all the information they need there, sponsorship packages and ways to recruit team members,” said Lepko, adding this year’s signup fee has been waived. “There’s a ton of information on the website.”

Lepko said organizers are hoping for 100 individuals and 40 teams.

“We have seen that in the past. So our goal is to meet and exceed that.”

Lepko said the fundraising goal for this year’s Coldest Night of the Year Walk is $24,000.

“We are optimistic. We know Lethbridge and the surrounding area are amazing when they come together.”

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