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Photos courtesy CMHA Alberta North West Facebook.
By Erika Rolling
Community

Coldest Night of the Year walk on February 22

Feb 6, 2025 | 11:59 AM

The local Canadian Mental Health Association branch is hosting one of 150 fundraiser walks across the country to support “the hurt, hungry, and homeless” in our area.

The Coldest Night of the Year event features a 2-5 km walk on February 22, at Muskoseepi Park, with all funds raised going to the CMHA to directly help those in need.

Event Director Chris Steel says people can create teams or do the walk individually to raise funds and awareness.

“It’s a chance to come out, show our support, have some fun, walk in the freezing cold.”

Steel says he is passionate about the event as he suffered from addiction, but now teaches others how to beat their vices.

“I found CMHA through doing one of their courses and really liked what I saw, and I started volunteering with this program three years ago and now I’m able to provide these courses.”

He says the courses offered through CMHA stuck out to him as they are delivered through those with lived experiences.

The money raised through the CNOY will fund programming for the “hurt, hungry, and homeless”, Steel says this isn’t just for people out on the streets.

It will go to a plethora of programs with CMHA like: Recovery College Grande Prairie and apartment units at Willow Place for those experiencing mental health challenges

“Some of these people wouldn’t have housing if it wasn’t for a program like this. All of our programs really rely on community support.”

You can donate directly to the cause online if you don’t feel up to a brisk walk, the organization’s fundraising goal is $30,000.

To learn more and sign up for the 2-5km walk on February 22 in Grande Prairie, please visit the Alberta North West Region’s CMHA website.

by Erika Rolling