Members of the Selkirk College community will come together in late-February to support local charities serving those experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
The nation-wide Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) family-friendly walks will take place in Castlegar, Trail and Nelson on February 24 in an effort to raise funds for a number of local organizations that support issues related to poverty. Putting focus on the community in college, both students and employees are being asked to take part in the effort.
“Selkirk College is a place where everyone is working together to build a brighter future through education and supporting an effort like Coldest Night extends that vision into the broader community,” says Katie Comrie, the college’s Healthy Campus Coordinator. “When we come together in the spirit of helping, it makes what we do here feel more tangible and the results will most definitely help those in our communities who are struggling.”
Coldest Night of the Year started in 2011 with two locations in Ontario and 440 participants raising $111,800. In 2023, the effort had grown to 182 charity locations with 37,580 participants raising $13.1 million. With more than $96 million being raised since the event began, each community walk retains 100 per cent of the net proceeds for local charities.
Selkirk College is providing the opportunity for both employees to join four different CNOY teams in the spirit making a difference and asking students to help by volunteering. Selkirk College teams will be walking in all three communities on February 24 and students in the Steps to Opportunities, Academics & Readiness (SOAR) Program will be holding an accessible walk at the Castlegar Campus gym on February 12 between 11 am and 2 pm. Signing up to participate is easy and those wanting to join a Selkirk College team can find the details on our website.
The organizations receiving support from local CNOY efforts include: The Skills Centre in Trail, Castlegar & District Community Services Society and the Nelson CARES Society.
“We live in small communities where helping others is a core value,” says Comrie, who is the captain of the college’s Castlegar team. “Many of the college’s alumni from a variety of programs work for the organizations who use these funds to help those most in need. Our graduates are making a difference every day in a variety of areas, this is a way for all of us to join together to help deepen both understanding and action.”
Learn more about Selkirk College Healthy Campus.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere