Get cold for a good cause

by Darren Handschuh - CASTANET Jan 15, 2016 / 5:00 am
The Upper Room Mission is looking for people who want to get cold for a cause. The annual Coldest Night of the Year walk will take place Feb. 20 and the mission is looking for people to take part and raise some cash for the Vernon's less fortunate. Thousands of participants will be hitting the streets for the event that is held in 100 cities across the country. Lisa Anderson, URM director of resource development, said participants in the family-friendly event can chose between a five and 10 km walk. “By walking together in the chill of the night, participants will better understand the experience of being on the streets during a cold Canadian winter, while raising funds to aid the work of the Upper Room Mission in providing much-needed support to people in our community,” said Anderson. The Vernon walk begins and ends at the mission, 3403-27th Ave., where walkers will register, turn in the results of their fundraising efforts, and return at the end of the evening for a warm celebration meal. Donning iconic blue toques, participants can take a little break and warm up with toasty drinks at Vernon Alliance Church’s The Arbour, which is hosting the rest stop along the way. Anderson said this is the mission's fourth year taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year, and they’re aiming to raise $30,000 for their work with less fortunate families and individuals in Vernon. “Funds raised at this event will go towards the 2016 food budget. Last year, the mission kitchen served over 78,000 hot meals to those in need,” said Anderson. An expected 150 walkers and 20 teams, including staff and friends of the Upper Room are expected to brave the cold winter's night. The Upper Room Mission has been serving Vernon for more than 35 years, and the funds raised in the Coldest Night of the Year will benefit its clients in a time of the year known historically for low levels of giving. To learn more or to sign up a team, go to coldestnightoftheyear.org/location/vernon.
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Donation Link with teams:  https://coldestnightoftheyear.org/search?q=vernon&teams=1&faq=1