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Fundraising underway for Coldest Night walk in Parksville Qualicum

Fourth local walk aims to raise $40,000 while cities coast-to-coast hold own walks
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The third annual Coldest Night of the Year walk in Parksville in 2017 saw more than $25,000 raised. For this year’s walk on Feb. 24, organizers have a goal of raising $40,000. — NEWS File Photo

Participants have once again started to raise funds for homeless outreach services in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area, ahead of the annual Coldest Night walk on Saturday, Feb. 24.

The walk will begin at 5:15 p.m. and starts and ends at Knox United Church at 345 Pym St. The event raises money for the Island Crisis Care Society, while Coldest Night walks in an anticipated 117 cities across the country will take place that same night.

In addition to raising funds, participants get a small look into the experience of surviving on the streets during a cold Canadian winter.

Walkers can take part in a two-, five- or 10-kilometre walk, with toasty drinks offered at Pacific Brimm along the way and a celebration meal at the end of the evening.

This event will mark Island Crisis Care Society’s seventh year taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year, and the fourth year in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.

A $40,000 goal has been set for Parksville Qualicum Beach, and another $40,000 for the walk in Nanaimo. Fundraising for the Parksville Qualicum Beach walk had reached $8,190 as of Wednesday, Feb. 7. The event is especially beneficial because it provides a boost in funding during a part of the year known historically for low levels of giving.

According to the Coldest Night website, 69 walkers with 15 teams have joined so far.

To register, go to cnoy.org and search for the Oceanside/Parksville event.

— NEWS Staff/ Violet Hayes submission