Coldest Night raises a record $102,466
The Coldest Night of the Year Walk was a hot, hot ticket on Saturday, raising a record $102,466.
That was 102 per cent of the $100,000 goal and overwhelmingly exceeded last year’s $67,000.
Although the official registration was 330 walkers (and 48 teams), “many people came who didn’t register as walkers. We had over 500 walkers for sure,” said pastor Joel Feddersen of Metro Community, who organized the family-friendly fundraiser.
“We were so encouraged by our many neighbours that supported us: Kelowna Yoga House, Urban Systems, Big Steel Box, Pila, MCC, Affinity Wellness and many others all came together to support the vulnerable in our community.
“Also, so many of our city staff, including the mayor, bylaw enforcement and Downtown Kelowna Association, all came out to support our efforts. We truly live in an amazing city and we are forever grateful!”
After a Zumba warmup by fitness instructor Teena Gowdy and welcome from Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, participants had their choice of a two- and five-kilometre walk through the North End. Afterward, they filled the Metro Community hall at 1265 Ellis St. for soup, chili, stew and socializing.
“We were excited to join Metro in this event,” said Angie Lohr, founder and executive director of H.O.P.E. Outreach.
“We all serve the same folks so it’s important to support our partners. We had two teams in Kelowna and Vernon. We raised over $609 in Kelowna and $1,300 in Vernon. We are here to support our folks less fortunate and happy we can help each. Our teams are committed to those we serve.”
Kelowna Yoga House had a total of 11 walkers, said team captain Heather MacNaughton.
“Our Kelowna Yoga House has been downtown on St. Paul Street for over 20 years. We’re a non-profit society run by volunteers to bring good yoga to Kelowna. A few years ago, Metro Community moved in next door to provide food, kindness and services to the most vulnerable people in our community. We were surprised at first, but it turns out most of our members know someone who needs help. This is our neighbourhood and these are our neighbours, so we’ve asked the Metro staff how we can make a difference. Sweaters, socks, hats, oatmeal, hot chocolate, granola bars, soap, shampoo – our donation bin for Metro fills regularly,” she said..
Since Metro Community is the recipient of the fundraising proceeds of this event, “it wasn’t a stretch for us yogis to engage in this activity,” she said with a laugh.
“We had a total of 11 walkers on our KYHWalkers2023 team last night. We raised almost $3,000 and had fun doing it. What a wondrous time we shared together! I have a broad smile on my face each time I think about the events of the evening, from our Zumba dancing to chasing Phofi, our elder team member with the shortest legs, on the five-kilometre walk. Several of us were able to share a tasty bowl of chili/soup/stew and listen to live music with the band, Daves of our Lives, after the walk.”
CNOY was a welcome opportunity for Kelowna Yoga House to do something more to help its neighbors, said MacNaughton.
“However, as our team members visited with each other while we walked, we learned that many of us (maybe all) have had our own personal experience with homelessness of loved ones, which gave us added motivation to do a walk for this important cause. We plan to participate in the event again next year!