Squamish’s Coldest Night of the Year event drew hundreds raising awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness.
On Saturday, Feb. 24, over 200 locals gathered at O’Siyam Pavilion to start the Coldest Night of the Year walk.
The annual event takes place all over Canada and has raised millions across communities to go back to local charities that help tackle homelessness.
So far, locals have raised over $78,000, which will go to the local organizer Squamish Helping Hands Society. The amount well-surpassed the society’s original goal of $50,000.
Several people associated with Helping Hands thanked the crowd of volunteers for their efforts before the walk began.
Executive director of the society, Lori Pyne, briefly shared that homelessness has risen 12% since 2021 in Squamish.
“Seniors are more and more being pushed out of their homes,” she said.
She added that the food bank has been “extremely busy” with the rise in food prices.
Shortly after her speech, walkers kicked off from the pavilion and travelled throughout downtown Squamish. Rest stops were available along the way and numerous local businesses donated food and drink that were available at no cost.
For more information about the Coldest Night of the Year event, visit cnoy.org.
