Choices for Youth hosted the 6th annual Coldest Night of the Year walk on a sunny, but cold day in February. This event brings together community members, local businesses, CFY staff, and young people for a chilly walk through downtown St. John’s. It’s a chance for the community to come together and show solidarity with the many youth who are struggling, who are often battling frigid temperatures, and who are working towards a more stable future.
Over 300 walkers, 40 teams, and 60 volunteers endured the cold to raise awareness of the challenges facing at-risk and homeless youth in our community. The 2.5km walk started at Atlantic Place (with support from Martek), with a rest stop at the CFY Duckworth Street location where walkers were able to warm up with some BeaverTails hot chocolate. The walk ended at the CFY Outreach and Youth Engagement Centre where walkers were able to take in a warm meal of delicious chili and soup, which was generously supported by The Sprout and Belbin’s Grocery.
Thanks to the many sponsors, walkers, donors, and supporters of this fun event, we were able to raise over $40,000! The donations of time, energy, and resources were very much appreciated, and every bit of support is helping to empower young families in our community. All monies raised will go towards our Outreach and Youth Engagement Centre, which is very much the front door of our organization and is often the starting point for helping young people in our community. It’s at Outreach that young people can get their basic needs met, come in out of the elements, and find out how CFY can offer support.
The Coldest Night of the Year isn’t just an event held in St. John’s – it’s a national movement, with over 130 locations hosting events across the country! It’s a moment when tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of their home to shine a light of welcome and inclusion. We are proud to have hosted our 6th walk, and can’t wait to do it again next year.
Save the Date! February 22, 2020 will be our 7th Annual Coldest Night of the Year WALK!
Thanks to our outstanding sponsors: