Thank you Nelson — CNOY 2022 joins long list of success stories
By Contributor
Another successful Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event is in the books.
On Saturday, upwards of 170 walkers on more than 40 teams took to the streets in their bubbles in Nelson and or their own communities of Balfour, Bonnington, Beasley and Kaslo to walk and raise funds for the Nelson CARES Society program ‘Ready for Home’ that operates out of Ward Street Place.
With the cold of the past week gone, it was a bright sunny day for the walkers. The event was virtual again this year so there weren’t any marked routes but the bright yellow cable knit toque could be seen all over town, down at Lakeside Park, the dog walk, rails to trails, and Baker Street.
“Thank you, Nelson, for this 8th year of support for the Coldest Night of the Year,” said Jenny Robinson, Executive Director.
“These past few years have been some of the most difficult of our lifetimes.
“And through this, the staff, Board of Directors, volunteers and program participants have given their best so Nelson CARES Society could move a few mountains,” Robinson added.
“The organization, with your support and funding partners like BC Housing and Columbia Basin Trust, completed two major affordable housing developments and two large-scale building renovations and found ways to offer new shelter beds and supports. We have worked hard but not as hard as those experiencing homelessness must do each day to survive the housing crisis; the poison drug supply and the pandemic without a home. Your generosity is a refuge.”
Nelson CARES and the Coldest Night of the Year team wish to thank all the walkers, team captains, donors, and sponsors of the event.
They look forward to CNOY 2023 when they hope to gather and walk together and share a simple warm meal at the end. Community helping community.
This is the eighth year that Nelson CARES has hosted the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising event and the second year it has been virtual. When the transition to virtual was made for the event in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nelson CARES wasn’t sure what to expect and if the community would still show up, but Nelson never fails to impress.
The fundraising goal was almost doubled last year and this year the goal is surpassed by 45%. As of Sunday, the fundraising goal of $48,000 has been surpassed and it is just $4 short of $70,000.
This total can still keep rising as funds will be accepted until March 31st, so if you didn’t get a chance to donate to a team or walker you still have time. Head to www.cnoy.org/nelson.
Nelson CARES Society wishes to thank its 2022 sponsors. Please shop locally and support these very important businesses that keep Nelson’s economy thriving.
Returning for the fourth year as Lead Sponsor is Valhalla Pure Nelson, and joining them in this role for the second year is the Nelson Home Building Centre.
There is also an impressive list of Supporting Sponsors including Nelson and District Credit Union, Kootenay Co-op, Inland Allcare Industrial Distribution and CitySpaces Consulting Ltd. Event Sponsors include Ellenwood Homes, Bowick Electric, Derek Diener & Melanie Ward (Dominion Lending), Nelson Brewing Company, Nelson Ford, Mistiso’s Place Vacation Rentals, Organic Matters, WLWp Wealth Planners, Urban Legends, Buddy’s Place, Steer Environmental Associates Ltd., Acuri-Precious Real Estate and NSDA Architects.
