The coldest night of the year is coming – here’s how you can help in Burnaby

Two Burnaby charities are preparing for the coldest night of the year.

Burnaby Community Services and Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby will host the seventh annual Coldest Night of the Year Walk for Homelessness event on Feb. 25.

The walk raises money for the two local charities, which assist people in need and living in poverty.

Statistically, the coldest night of the year occurs in the third week of February, according to the executive director of the Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby, Carol-Ann Flanagan.

“Far too many in our community are homeless and at high health risk,” Flanagan said in a statement.

“This fundraiser allows us to continue offering immediate assistance such as a hot meal, clothing, transit, and access to outreach workers.  We provide these critical services as we work towards long-term solutions such as shelters and affordable housing.”

Alex Munroe of Burnaby Community Services said the event would increase awareness and raise money for the support of homeless and vulnerable people in Burnaby.

There will be two routes to walk: one five-kilometre route and one two-kilometres. Both begin at Marlborough Elementary School at 6060 Marlborough Ave. Check-in for the walk begins at 4 p.m., and opening remarks and send off are at 5 p.m.

Last year, Burnaby Community Services provided support to more than 130,000 people. The Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby served 698 individuals through more than 8,000 visits to its Outreach Resource Centre. It now serves 150 per cent more people weekly than at the beginning of the pandemic.

For more information, visit the Coldest Night of the Year website.