Coldest Night of the Year still accepting volunteers for February event
By Contributor
On Saturday, Feb 24th, Nelson CARES Society’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising event will be taking place with hundreds of walkers hitting the chilly, dark streets of Nelson.
Those walkers will have asked their friends, family and co-workers to donate to support their walk.
Because of the fast-paced nature of CNOY event, almost 100 volunteers are needed to pull off this event successfully and safely.
On Feb 24th CNOY walkers will be checking in at 4 p.m. before the walk starts at 5 p.m.
Following which, meal service starts at 6 p.m. welcoming CNOY walkers for a warm bowl of chili and smiles and by 7 p.m. most folks are headed home.
There are a wide variety of volunteer roles to choose from, you can even volunteer for the event and still walk with your friends on event day.
People can work outside before the event and help with route sign installation or during the event as a route marshall, or sign up to be rest a stop host, or a support driver. Likewise, volunteers also will be needed inside before the event to assist with the setup and decoration of the two venues.
There are lots of volunteer roles during the event, of course, everything from check-in crew and greeters, food team, including tear-down and clean-up.
“I have volunteered for our local CNOY events for many years now and I am always amazed at the wonderful community spirit and energy that this fundraiser inspires,” said Returning route marshal volunteer, Jesse Woodward.
“Everyone walking and volunteering knows that the funds raised are directly helping some of the most vulnerable in our city and it is this direct kind action and help which generates such goodwill and cheer for all of those involved. Helping others in need brings out the best in people and CNOY is such a great way to do just that.”
If anyone would like to know more about volunteering for the event please reach out to cnoy@nelsoncares.ca or head to cnoy.org/nelson to sign up.
This is the 10th year that Nelson CARES Society is hosting this event and they are so thankful to the community for their continued support. The walkers, donors, volunteers, and sponsors make this event a success every year.
The donations raised during the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser stay locally and support the tenants to stay safely housed at Ward Street Place through the Ready for Home program.
Much gratitude to the 2024 sponsors who have already signed on to support this event: Nelson Home Hardware Building Centre, Ellenwood Homes, Hemlock Homes, Studio 9 Architecture & Design, BC Housing, Harmony Engineering, Hume Hotel & Spa, Inland Allcare Industrial Distribution, Kootenay Savings, Derek Deiner & Melanie Ward Mortage Brokers, Hallam & Associates Private Wealth Management, Kootenay Co-op Country Store, Rod Taylor Design, Nelson Ford, The Adventure Hotel, Urban Systems, Studio 9 Architecture & Planning, Terus Construction, Lasca Construction and Design, and Mistiso’s Place Vacation Rentals.
