Listen Live

Coldest Night of the Year makes a return to Duncan, aims to help youth struggling with homelessness

This Saturday is the Coldest Night of the Year in the Cowichan Valley and across Canada. 

The annual fundraiser to raise awareness of the challenges and struggles of people experiencing homelessness will see participants walk 2 or 5 kilometres. 

Last year Coldest Night of the Year in the Cowichan Valley raised $70,000, and this year they are hoping to raise even more.

Event Director, Jennifer Lazenby says that all the proceeds will go towards meeting the needs of youth in the Valley. 

“A building accessible to youth 24/7 that would give them showers, food, shelter, medical, treatment, any, any of those community resources that they’re lacking right now,” says Lazenby.

She adds that a purpose-built space for youth in the region is sorely needed as the Canadian Mental Health Association estimates there are close to 90 kids experiencing homelessness.

Manager of Child, Youth and Family Connections at the CMHA Madeline Joe says that due to a location change, they have had to cut back on services offered at their current Youth Centre on Festubert Street.

“We lost the kitchen space, we’ve lost the showers, we’ve lost the laundry facilities and a bigger space to be able to do programming. So when we take a look at the coldest night of the year and that investment of being able to purchase, a building and property that gives us the opportunity of bringing those features back into an emergency shelter for use,” says Joe.

The walk gets underway this Saturday at 4 pm and you can register ahead of time and donate on the CNOY website.

Last year CNOY saw 37,000 walkers take part at 182 different locations across Canada.

Continue Reading

cjsu Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Former North Cowichan mayor receives Freedom of the Municipality award

The Municipality of North Cowichan has awarded the Freedom of the Municipality,  its highest honour, to a longtime community leader for his many years of public service.

Duncan Fire Department’s responses highest in third quarter 

An increase in the amount of fire calls have been reported to the City of Duncan for the third quarter.

Ladysmith RCMP report an increase in calls compared to last year 

A quarterly report shows crime in Ladysmith is trending upwards, but not in all areas.

Cowichan Aquatic Centre repairs complete, but more work needs to be done 

Cowichan Aquatic Centre upgrades are in the home stretch, but it still requires a few more tweaks.

Contactless payments coming soon to BC Transit riders

Bus riders may soon have an easier way to pay for their fare, as BC Transit prepares to roll out contactless debit and credit card payments across its network through the Umo fare system.
- Advertisement -