The Comox Valley Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) community walk took place Saturday evening, and the hundreds who showed up were undeterred by the frigid conditions.
The CNOY is a “walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.”
It is a national event, with more than 175 communities taking part.
The Comox Valley event supports the Comox Valley Transition Society (CVTS) and Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society.
A total of 557 walkers registered for the event this year, and participants have all month to complete a walk of any distance.
Close to half of the registered walkers showed up for the community event.
“It was a great turn-out - I was so very, very pleased,” said CVTS executive director, Heather Ney. “That kind of weather can scare some (people) from coming out.”
ALSO: Comox Valley Coldest Night of the Year walk sets $200,000 target
As of press time, the event had reached 88 per cent of its $200,000 target.
Ney said that there are still a few school walks taking place this week, so she’s not discounting the possibility of reaching that goal.
“Whether we do or not, it’s OK,” she said. “Once again, the Comox Valley came out in a big way to support the event. We are No. 7 in the country, out of 182 communities, and third in British Columbia. So once again, the community has just been amazing.”
Coldest Night of the Year is the biggest annual fundraiser Dawn to Dawn and CVTS.
“We try to spend money on things that will get people housed, or keep people housed,” said Ney.
The Rotary Super Team raised the most money (as of press time), collecting $18,015.
St. George’s United Church also reached five digits, with $12,088.
Donations are still being accepted, up until March 31. Visit cnoy.org/location/comoxvalley
terry.farrell@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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