The forecast is for six degrees Celsius, but Saturday will still be Campbell River’s “Coldest Night of the Year.”
The city’s first-ever walk in support of the “hungry, homeless and hurting,” starts and ends at the downtown Community Centre.
As of Tuesday, 29 teams with 124 walkers had signed up for the Canada-wide event. The fundraising goal to support local programs is $25,000 and so far they’ve raised almost $10,000. The national goal is $2.5 million.
“The response so far has been great,” said Paul Mason of Campbell River Family Services in a news release. “But we still have a way to go to reach our goal of $25,000. It’s definitely doable.”
More teams and walkers are needed. And, if you don’t have a team, you can join up with Mason’s band of “Orphan Walkers.”
Entry is $25 per person, but is waived if you raise $150 or more. Each walker gets cozy Coldest Night of the Year toque and there will be refreshments served afterwards.
Check-in for teams begins at 4 p.m. at the Community Centre. The five-kilometre walk – or whatever distance you can cover – starts at 5:15 p.m.
Walkers are asked to leave their dogs at home.
You can register online at www.coldestnightoftheyear.org. Click on “locations” to find Campbell River.