A Chilliwack organization that helps vulnerable women, children and families is gearing up for an annual fundraiser.
Ann Davis Transition Society’s Coldest Night of the Year campaign, a family-friendly fundraiser walk, is set for Feb. 24.
This year marks the fourth year that funds raised locally from the Canada-wide event will go to Ann Davis Transition Society to help some of Chilliwack’s most vulnerable people.
“Ann Davis Transition Society provides valuable services in our community because our goal is to provide education, prevention and support services to those affected by abuse or violence,” executive director Patti MacAhonic wrote in a statement.
In 2022, the society provided more than 15,100 bed stays for women and children, yet still had to turn away countless more. They also saw 12,000 clients through their outreach centre.
“Funds raised in our community’s Coldest Night of the Year will stay in our community to help us expand our capacity to address homelessness, hunger, and hurting.”
People can choose from either a two-kilometre or five-kilometre walk. Both routes begin and end at Evergreen Hall.
Here in Chilliwack in 2023, 283 walkers took part in the Coldest Night of the Year event and they helped to raise more than $62,000 for Ann Davis Transition Society.
Across Canada that same year, more than $13.1 million was raised by 37,000-plus walkers and the event took place in 182 locations.
The Ann Davis Transition Society has grown over the past 45 years to provide services to meet the needs of Chilliwack, which include: two transition houses for women and children fleeing abusive and violent situations; women’s, men’s, children’s, youth, couples and family counselling and programs; legal advocacy, and outreach services for all ages and genders plus numerous other supports daily for those experiencing homelessness or who are precariously housed and who are out in the cold.
Ann Davis Transition Society’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser walk is Saturday, Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. at Evergreen Hall (9291 Corbould St.). Check-in is at 4 p.m. and there will be a light meal at 6 p.m.
To register, donate or for more information, go to cnoy.org/location/chilliwack.
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