Coldest Night Walk supports Samaritan House
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Brandon residents bundled up against the winter chill Saturday evening as they stepped out in support of the Samaritan House Ministries’ annual Coldest Night of the Year walk.
Now in its 12th year, the event invites participants to experience, even briefly, what a day might feel like for someone living unhoused, executive director Heather Symbalisty told the Sun.
“It is a representation of what an individual may experience walking during a day in the life of someone who is living unhoused,” Symbalisty said in an interview. “This represents how much someone can walk every day just to keep themselves warm and alive.”
Brandon residents walk along Lorne Ave during the annual Coldest Night of the Year walk on Saturday evening. The walk began at Knox United Church, a longtime supporter of the event, and followed a route along Victoria Avenue, turning onto 13th Street and Lorne Ave. before looping back along 17th Street to the church.
About 70 walkers took part this year, choosing routes of one, two, five or 10 kilometres. The walk began at Knox United Church, a longtime supporter of the event, and followed a route along Victoria Avenue, turning onto 13th Street and Lorne Avenue before looping back along 17th Street to the church.
At the halfway point, participants could warm up with hot chocolate before continuing.
Symbalisty said the fundraiser plays a critical role in maintaining beds at the organization’s Safe and Warm Space shelter. Samaritan House operates 41 beds, 25 of which are funded through the Province of Manitoba. The remaining 16 beds rely on community fundraising efforts.
“Fundraising like Coldest Night of the Year helps us have those 16 extra beds,” she said. “Without that, it makes it really difficult to keep those beds open.”
The goal for this year’s campaign is $30,000. As of Saturday afternoon, the organization had reached around 72 per cent of that target, with hopes that donations would continue to come in over the next few days.
“It seems like there’s a bit more this year participating in the walk,” Symbalisty said. She said the organization has seen increased community engagement and new sponsorships from local businesses, including Maxim Trucking, Chez Angela and Chown Electric.
Following the walk, participants were invited to stay for a warm meal of chilli prepared by volunteers, with beef donated by a local farmer. Buns were provided by Kuipers, another longtime supporter, along with hot chocolate and water.
Beyond raising funds, Symbalisty talked about the deeper purpose of the event.
“We welcome all the walkers that come and participate to join us, just with a little bit of something warm to keep them warmed up after being out there walking,” she said.
» aodutola@brandonsun.com
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