Skip to main content

Tag: Coldest Night of the Year

A group of people dressed in warm winter clothes cheers before heading out on a cold-weather walk.

Blairmore walk raises $45K for Crowsnest food bank

Written by Breeze Content on . Posted in Community, Community Organizations, Health/Wellness, Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, Stories, William Cockerell. No Comments on Blairmore walk raises $45K for Crowsnest food bank

Held each year in 166 communities across Canada, Coldest Night of the Year walks raise money for charities supporting those experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.

The local food bank hosted its first CNOY walk in Blairmore on Feb. 25, raising money to help cover the ever-growing costs of food and its transportation over the course of the year. 

Originally, the fundraising goal was set at $20,000. However, residents of Crowsnest Pass and surrounding areas stepped up to more than double that goal with their unwavering support.

“Our community has always been very supportive of the food bank. We have had so many changes in the past year, including a 40 per cent increase in usage,” says Desiree Erdmann, manager of the food bank.

“Having everyone come together for a common goal, and all the laughing and hugging, was certainly very uplifting for everyone at the food bank.”

 

Beige and green trailer on announcement reminding Pincher Creek residents to have trailers off the street by Oct. 21.

 

Community members embraced the opportunity to support their local food bank. Twenty teams made up of 89 walkers participated in the event, with 40 volunteers, 770 donors and 18 sponsors contributing to the success of the walk.

Despite chilly, windy conditions on the day of the walk, the community pulled together and showed up for a great cause. 

The generosity of everyone who contributed has not gone unnoticed.

“The Crowsnest Pass Food Bank is very thankful for the support and kindness of our community. We appreciate everyone who had a part in Coldest Night of the Year,” Desiree says.

With the success of this year’s walk, many locals have already expressed a desire for a second edition of the event in the Pass next year.

As luck would have it, the CNOY will return to Blairmore next year on Feb. 24 to once more help support the food bank, as it has supported the community for over 25 years. 

If this year was any indication, the event will only continue to grow in its ability to make a positive impact on the community.

Red circle with 200% in white on blue background with details for

Coldest Night of the Year walk to support Crowsnest Pass Food Bank

Written by Shannon Peace on . Posted in Community, Community Organizations, William Cockerell. No Comments on Coldest Night of the Year walk to support Crowsnest Pass Food Bank

The Crowsnest Pass Food Bank is hosting its first Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk in Blairmore this Saturday.

Coldest Night of the Year is an annual walk held in 166 communities nationwide to raise money for local charities that support people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.

In Crowsnest Pass, the event will help the food bank cover the costs of food and its transportation over the course of the year. 

The walk starts and ends at the Elks Hall at 2025 129th St. in Blairmore. Check-in opens at 4 p.m., and participants start their walks at 5 p.m.

Participants can choose between two-kilometre and five-kilometre routes, with both including rest stops along the way.

The fundraising goal was initially set at $20,000. However, with a couple of days still to go before the event, the food bank had already seen that amount almost doubled at $37,730, raised with the help of 649 donors, 18 sponsors, 20 teams and 78 walkers.

 

Orange t-shirt on grey background with Town of Pincher Creek logo on the sleeve, promoting Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30.

 

“The Crowsnest Pass always comes together to support one another and this situation is no exception,” says Desiree Erdmann, manager of the food bank.. 

“CNOY has created a great community vibe and is the perfect example of how many people contributing a little can add up to a lot.” 

Desiree says food intake at the food bank has gone up 34 per cent in the last year. The money will go a long way in helping the organization continue to assist its community.

If the food bank manages to double its original goal and hit $40,000 raised, it will be enough money to cover grocery costs for about a third of the year.

“I felt confident we would reach our goal, as our community is so supportive,” Desiree says. “The amount raised so far is astonishing.”

Crowsnest Pass Food Bank has been supporting locals struggling with food insecurity for over 25 years, serving individuals and families within all areas of the municipality. 

If you wish to make a donation, register to walk or learn more about the CNOY, you can get info here.  

The food bank encourages walkers, volunteers and community members to take pictures of the event and share them by email.

 

Town of Pincher Creek council and committee of the whole schedule advertisement

 

 

More Local Stories

 

 

Circle with profile of William Cockerell, male wearing sunglasses and black shirt, with dark moustache, beard and long hair blowing in the wind.