Our Place Society and the Pacific Centre Family Services Association (PCFSA) are gearing up for the annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walkathon to support those experiencing food and housing insecurity.
The Saturday, Feb. 22 event offers a pair of routes in Greater Victoria. The Pandora Avenue walk will start at 1027 Pandora Ave. and the West Shore walk will start at 1089 Langford Pkwy. Both have check-in times around 4 p.m.
“Our Place is providing more shelter and housing than ever before,” said Our Place executive director Julian Daly in a news release. “This allows us to provide a structured path from crisis to stability, from housing to health and employment, ensuring that each individual has the support they need to reimagine their futures. This walk is a powerful way for the community to come together, show they care, and help build pathways from surviving to thriving.”
Last year, over 800 walkers and volunteers raised more than $190,000 across both locations.
"Over the past five years, we have seen a significant increase in those facing housing and food insecurity, alongside growing mental health challenges. Each year, we support over 8,000 individuals, offering essential care through our team of counsellors, social workers, health-care professionals, and Indigenous liaison," noted Liz Nelson, executive director of PCFSA.
"Our goal is to offer more than just services – we strive to instill hope, provide stability, and be a safe haven for those navigating hardship. By addressing the diverse needs of our community, we empower individuals and families to regain their footing and work toward a brighter future," she added.
Over the past several months, Our Place says they have expanded their shelter and recovery programs while also seeing a 28 per cent increase in food costs and a 25 per cent rise in demand for community meals. Funds raised through the event will be "instrumental" in helping meet the growing needs of the community according to Our Place.
Our Place and PCFSA are encouraging community members to gather a team of friends, family, coworkers, or fellow congregation members to register online at www.CNOY.org.
