EDMONTON – Over 300 people hit the street in downtown Edmonton Saturday night to take part in a fundraising walk that supports the Hope Mission.
The goal of the Coldest Night of the Year walk is to show participants what it’s like to be homeless.
“It’s a great way to get engaged with the issue of homelessness right here in Edmonton,” said Robin Padanyi a spokesperson with the Hope Mission.
Particpants can take part in a 2, 5, or 10 kilometer walk around Edmonton’s inner city.
This is the fifth year the event has been held in Edmonton. The Hope Mission is hoping to raise $80,000.
“The reality is homelessness is a complex issue,” adds Padanyi. “Hope Mission is here on the ground caring for people despite their needs whether it’s shelter or meals, so to be able to have the support of the community coming down and connecting with us in this great way and to be able to walk in support of our guest means the world to us.”
There are 92 communities across the country participating in the event.
The goal across the country is $4-million.