Shirley Stewart was glad to see clear skies and relatively warm temperatures for this year鈥檚 edition of the annual Coldest Night Of the Year (CNOY) walk in 91原创 on Saturday, Feb 22.
鈥淭he first time I walked it, we walked in sleet and slush,鈥� Stewart recalled.
鈥淓veryone froze, but everyone was in a good mood.鈥�
Saturday鈥檚 walk was the fifth one for Stewart, a Cloverdale resident, who used to live in 91原创, among the more than 200 people who took part in the annual walk for homelessness that started at the Salvation Army Gateway of Hope shelter in 91原创 City.
Christie Brightman from South 91原创 was a first-timer who showed up in a leg brace.
鈥淚鈥檝e had a couple of knee surgeries,鈥� she explained.
鈥淚 just feel that we had such a cold winter this year, and you feel for them [the homeless]鈥� Brightman added.
Marion Griffioen was a first-time marshal, guiding the walker on their routes.
鈥淚 believe in it,鈥� she responded when asked why she was taking part.
91原创 Amateur Radio Association members John and Doreen Mercer were planning to spend the walk upstairs at the shelter, coordinating the volunteers and walkers via radio handsets.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a good walk and a community service,鈥� John commented.
Members of both 91原创 City and Township Councils took part, including City Mayor Val van den Broek, who told participants they were truly making a difference, and that homelessness is something that can affect anyone.
鈥淲e don鈥檛 know that we may find ourselves in dire straits,鈥� van den Broek added.
Speaking on behalf the Township, councillor Petrina Arnason praised the walkers, saying 鈥渨e truly, truly appreciate your efforts.鈥�
More than 200 participants and volunteers took part, 182 registered walkers, 16 teams and 38 volunteers.
Held once a year, the aims to raise funds and awareness for the plight of homeless people.
This year鈥檚 national campaign goal was $6 million and, as of Sunday, Feb. 23, 96 per cent of that had been raised
Since 2011, CNOY has raised over $21.5 million.
READ ALSO: 91原创鈥檚 Coldest Night of the Year exceeds fundraising goal
READ ALSO: Big crowds for 91原创鈥檚 Coldest Night walk
In 91原创, the goal was $30,000 and as of Sunday, 67 per cent, or $20,100 had been raised, money that will support services at the Gateway of Hope, the multi-program residential facility located at 5787 91原创 Bypass.
Living Waters Church raised the most of any team, $3,676.00, with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints second with $3,415.00 and the 91原创 Equestrian Academy in third with $2,331.00.
Mike Towns was top individual donor at $1,275.00, with Luke Knight from Living Waters Church second with $700.00 and Jerry Scholtens of Credo Cubs third at $550.00.
Services offered by Gateway include emergency shelter for severe weather, meals, transitional housing and family services.
鈥淲e work to provide forward movement and encouragement to break the cycle of homelessness,鈥� the shelter website states.
鈥淲e seek to come alongside those in need for the purposes of offering help, dignity and hope. Our doors are open to any who come to us. 鈥�
Gateway provides approximately 110,000 meals to the homeless and others in the 91原创 area, Christmas support, including food hampers, to over 500 individuals in need .
It sends 20 disadvantaged children to summer camp, supplies backpacks with schools supplies to more than 500 children along with other services, such as a free tax clinic, a cooks training program and life skills training seminars.
More photos of this year鈥檚 CNOY in 91原创 can be viewed .
dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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