One of the marquee, nationwide fundraisers to tackle homelessness is coming to Richmond.
CHIMO Community Services is encouraging Richmond residents to “bundle up and raise cold, hard cash” for The Coldest Night of the Year, a fundraising walk that takes place Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. at the UBC Boathouse.
“We’re raising awareness as well as money. But the big thing is raising awareness or changing the perception and dialogue around who’s in danger of being homeless. Because we have a new reality in Richmond.” said Joyce Alisharan, chair of Chimo Community Services, a non-profit crisis intervention service.
Alisharan said seniors and families are the new face of homelessness in Richmond and Metro Vancouver — a worrying development by any account.
Chimo says 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 Chimo in providing much-needed support to members of our community.
For instance, Chimo helps people find affordable rental places, such as single-family homes that are slated for demolition.
The Richmond walk will take place at the same time nearly 100 others are scheduled across Canada. 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 toques, participants will walk a 2km, 5km or 10km route, “and will warm up with toasty drinks at rest stops along the way,” said organizer Louis Srisakulpinyo.
“Chimo has been serving Richmond for 44 years, and the funds raised in the Coldest Night of the Year will benefit their clients in a time of the year known historically for low levels of giving,” said Srisakulpinyo.
This is Chimo’s second year taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year, with a fundraising goal of $50,000. An expected 200+ walkers and 30 teams, including staff from ReMax Westcoast, Vancity and many more are expected to brave the cold winter's night. Community sponsors include Cobs Bread, Starbucks and David’s Tea, Tim Horton’s and a few other familiar companies, said Srisakulpinyo.
To create a team email Srisakulpinyo at [email protected].
