Last month on Feb. 22, community members braved the frigid temperatures to take part in the annual Coldest Night of the Year event which has been walking the streets of Duncan since 2022.
This was the fourth year that Canadian Mental Health Association, Cowichan Valley Branch took part with 59 teams, 324 walkers and 70 volunteers putting their best foot forward to raise more than $88,000.
"It was a great event and the energy was extremely positive," said the association's Anne Marie Thornton. "It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces committed to supporting vulnerable youth in our community. After pouring rain all day Saturday, the clouds cleared and the sun appeared just as our walkers headed out. We're sure there was a rainbow somewhere."
Thornton said donations can still be made until March 31 at www.cnoy.org/duncan and all amounts over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
All money raised this year will go towards supporting the youth emergency shelter in Duncan which will serve 15- to 19-year-olds, aiming to provide stability, direction, and support such as not only a listening ear, but basics such as medical attention, a warm meal and shower and some clean clothes. The shelter is presently open for daytime drop in programs but it won't be open for overnight stays until all hiring has been completed.
"We are extremely grateful to everyone who participated including the sponsors, walkers, team captains, volunteers and donors," said Thornton. "The overall feeling was one of positive energy. For some walkers, it was their first year and for others it was their fourth. It's always an inspiration to be surrounded by so many people wanting to make a difference in their community."
