If you think the severe cold we’ve experienced over the last few weeks was record-breaking, you’d be correct.
Almost forty Alberta communities had daily cold records broken on January 12, and numerous other daily records were broken through to January 15.
But we are still in for the coldest night of the year, which will happen in February.
Say what?
Before you start freaking out about potentially more emergency electricity grid alerts, the Coldest Night of the Year is a charity event worth bundling up for.
Cold Hard Cash For Charity
The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is a Canada-wide winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
Started in 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year event has successfully raised more than $96 million in 166 different Canadian communities.
The best part is that money raised locally stays local.
And Cochranites’ participation in the annual event raises a lot of money, which benefits the Helping Hands Society.
Helping Hands dedicates its efforts to supporting low-income elderly individuals, those with chronic illnesses, single parents, and recent immigrants by addressing their tangible needs.
The program serves individuals needing a support system or the financial means for self-assistance.
Volunteers invest their time in a variety of activities, including providing transportation to medical appointments, participating in food drives, offering mentorship, clearing snow, maintaining lawns, performing handyman tasks, providing companionship, assisting with moving and downsizing, running errands, engaging in food rescue, maintaining a Free Food Shed, and many other valuable services.
Looking for Volunteers and Sponsors
The Helping Hands Society is hoping that everyone will come out for the Coldest Night of the Year walk on February 24.
Currently, there are 85 walkers signed up on 26 teams and 14 volunteers.
But you can sign up as late as the day of the event, so crowds of hundreds are expected.
Helping Hands is actively seeking additional sponsors to join the ranks of local businesses, groups, and individuals who have already pledged their support to this initiative.
Each year, the society introduces a unique collectible toque, and this year’s edition is particularly special.
Participants can choose between a 5 km or a 2 km walk, with a coffee break included.
The event concludes with an outdoor celebration at the starting/finishing point, featuring food from Guy’s Cafe.
If you’re not in Cochrane, other locations are hosting a CNOY walk, including Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Okotoks, Red Deer, Whitecourt, Grande Prairie and Cold Lake.
So bundle up, get outside, and show that cold weather brings out warm hearts!
