Funds raised for Campbell River’s fifth Coldest Night of the Year will be used for a new women’s centre.
The Campbell River and North Island Transition Society (CRNITS) are looking to raise $40,000 in the event this year. They say the funding will be used to furnish the Eagle Harbour Womens Centre.
The centre will provide second-stage and permanent housing for women who are at risk of homelessness. The society adds it will also be the home of a larger women’s centre in the community.
“More than 60 per cent of women accessing our women’s center are over 50 years old and are living in poverty, are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” said Diane Palmer, economic development coordinator for the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society.
“With this addition, we will be offering women, with or without children, a continuum of support and the safety that comes with affordable and appropriate housing.”
Coldest Night of the year will have in-person or virtual options this year. It will begin on Feb. 26. between 4 and 5 p.m. at the Rose Harbour parking lot, with the walk beginning at 5:15 p.m.
The Campbell River and North Island Transition Society say they are looking for more teams this year to take part in the event to reach their $40,000 goal.
“We are looking for community teams, or individuals to join existing teams, to take part in this event that supports some of our community’s most vulnerable people,” said Diane Palmer, economic development coordinator for the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society (CRNITS).
Those who want to take part virtually can pick up their Coldest Night of the Year ahead of time between Feb. 19 and 26 at the Transitions Thrift Store. CRNITS says they can then walk where they want and with who they would like.
CNOY is a nationwide fundraiser taking place in over 100 locations. An estimated 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness every year, according to CRNITS.
For more information, visit www.cnoy.org.
