Coldest Night of The Year walk back in Lethbridge

LETHBRIDGE- Southern Albertans are ready to lace up their shoes, or winter boots, for the Coldest Night of The Year walk.  The annual fundraiser is hosted by Streets Alive Mission in Lethbridge.  Ken Kissick, founder of the organization, says the walk is a chance to take a stand.

“It’s a way to make a statement.  You can say ‘You know what, we are walking for poverty’.”

Teams can sign up to walk two, five or 10-kilometers around Henderson Lake.  Frank Gravel says he will be hitting the sidewalk for a cause close to his heart.

“At one time in my life, I spent some time on the streets.  Luckily it wasn’t very long, but let’s put it this way, it pulls on the heart strings.”

Gravel says it’s not always about the cash you can give that can help people get back on their feet.

“I don’t have lots of dollars that I can give myself, but I’m physically fit and I can give my time.”

80 cities across the country will be taking part on February 21^st, providing crucial funding to some of the most vulnerable members of society.

“This money goes into those programs which help us and our staff and volunteers to build the relationships we need to make a difference in someone’s life, to bring them hope so they can move forward,” adds Kissick.

Already over 100 teams have signed up for the walk, and Kissick says each one of those people is helping to provide a life-changing opportunity to someone who needs a helping hand.

“Our basic practical things are relationship, discipleship, education, housing and outreach. Those are the five tools we use to make a difference in someone’s life. We may give someone a sandwich, but the bottom line is the sandwich comes with love and conversation.”

Registration opens Saturday, February 21^st at 4:00pm at Exhibition Park. To sign up early, you can visit www.coldestnightoftheyear.org