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Burnaby helpers needed on the coldest night of the year

There’s nothing fun about being homeless. But there is something fun about raising money to help the homeless in Burnaby.
homeless
File photo Dan Toulgoet

There’s nothing fun about being homeless.

But there is something fun about raising money to help the homeless in Burnaby.

The Coldest Night of the Year is a super-fun, family-friendly walking fundraiser that raises money for the hungry, homeless and hurting in Burnaby. It takes place on Feb. 22, with registration at 4 p.m. at Marlborough Elementary School.

Like hundreds of communities across Canada, walkers raise much-needed money, supporting the Society To End Homelessness in Burnaby and Burnaby Community Services to assist local people most in need and living in extreme poverty. 

Each participant creates a team, fundraises and walks 2, 5, or 10K. The walk will start with the Burnaby North Secondary School marching band leading the walkers to the start and off they go.

On the walk they will pass various markers, including a Burnaby fire hall for a cup of cocoa and cookies at the BC Housing offices. When they return, they will receive a warm bowl of soup prepared by the Burnaby firefighters while enjoying live bands. 

“Statistically, the third week of February is the coldest night of the year, especially for people who have to sleep outside,” said a press release. “Ninety per cent of people who are homeless in Burnaby have one health condition, 50% have two or more. Homelessness is a life-threatening health hazard.”

For more information to register, walk, volunteer or donate at https://cnoy.org/location/burnaby