It’s that time of year once again to dig the ski pants out of the closet as the registration opens for the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY).
The event serves as the largest annual fundraising event for the Swift Current Community Youth Initiative (SCCYI) and invites participants together for a 2km, or a 5 km walk in February, to highlight the struggles that homeless individuals endure daily, explained Nathan Wiebe, the executive director for the SCCYI.
“We obviously as a team work really hard to make this event the best event we possibly can,” he explained. “It is our major fundraiser of the year. So, we really do our best to coordinate and do the best we can to make sure that people enjoy themselves, as well as understand that these funds aren't going to a place where it isn't going to be used in the best possible way.
“So, we really want to make sure we're investing in youth through investing in mental health and doing what we can do to make a difference in our community.”
Wiebe noted that a large part of the event takes place before the walk on February 25.
“The event is fundraising, and we do a lot of communicating,” he stated. “A lot of conversations that we have with team, people that are participating in the event, and our amazing sponsors.”
Previous participants will be able to access their team from last year's CNOY walk as well as add new teammates.
Proceeds from the event will go towards counselling and mentoring services at the Swift Current Community Youth Initiative.
“If you're interested in putting together a team, we really encourage you to help us out this year, to come on board and just participate,” Wiebe added. “We're going to have a fun time before and during the walk as well.”
To register, either as an individual or as part of a team, head over to cnoy.org and follow the instructions listed.
For more information, call the SCCYI at 1 (306) 773-3344.