The national annual walk to tackle homelessness has a bigger goal in Burnaby this year.
Last year, nearly $111,000 was raised from the Coldest Night of the Year in Burnaby, a walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
The amount raised was record-breaking, surpassing the $110,000 raised in 2023.
This year's event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Marlborough Elementary School (6060 Marlborough Ave).
The Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby and Burnaby Community Services has set its fundraising goal at $120,000.
“Community support is needed now more than ever. With the number of homeless increasing, we have seen a huge spike in demand on our services,” Society to End Homelessness Society program coordinator Carol-Ann Flanagan said in a news release.
"We can not thank the citizens of Burnaby enough for coming alongside our vulnerable neighbours and making a difference."
As of this publication, 60 per cent of the event's goal has been met with $73,053 raised.
"With more people relying on our food hubs and services than ever before, we really need your help," Burnaby Neighbourhood House chief executive officer Antonia Beck added.
"This walk isn’t just about raising money — it’s about coming together as a community to support our most vulnerable neighbours. When we walk side by side, we’re showing that no one needs to be alone in this struggle.”
A total of 415 people and 44 teams walked on either two- or five-kilometre routes during the 2024 event.
