Coldest Night of the Year heating up in St. John’s
Fundraiser for Choices for Youth continues to gain supporters
Saturday’s Coldest Night of the Year walk in support of Choices for Youth was the most successful yet, far surpassing its fundraising goal before it even began.
In its fourth year, the goal was to raise $35,000 to support the organization’s Outreach and Youth Engagement Centre.
“As of right now, we have raised $47,000, and we usually bring in an extra $3,000-$5,000 on the walk day itself,” Mica Mccurdy, campaigns and development officer with Choices, said as the walk was about to start.
About 400 supporters joined the walk Saturday, with many more signed up online. Many capped with yellow toques for the occasion, supporters could not be missed as the crowd moved through downtown.
“As the event gets older, people get to know us a little bit more. Friends and family are really good at reaching out to other people,” said Mccurdy, adding this is the first year the event has had sponsors.
Funds raised from the event support the Outreach and Youth Engagement Centre, which acts as the organization’s front door. More than 1,000 young people access Choices’ services every year, and the outreach centre is their first stop.
The Coldest Night of the Year walk for homelessness takes place in several communities across Canada. The fundraisers benefit local organizations, like Choices for Youth, that help people who are homeless and at risk.