Braving the cold to help the less fortunate

Close to 200 Kelowna residents braved the cold Saturday night to show their support for those less fortunate in the Central Okanagan.
The participants took to the streets as part of the second annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser organized by the 30K Club at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.
The event’s goal was to raise money and awareness to help those in need find a home and get back on their feet.
The event started at the First United Church and offered distances of 5 or 10 kilometres to participants.
Organizers say they were delighted by the turnout.
“You’re always hoping for the best. I have to say that it is a better turnout than we expected. When you have fundraisers like this you want to knock it out of the park and I’m so pleased, I’m so overwhelmed by the community support we’ve had for this event,” said Jessica Samuels, coordinator for the 30K Club.
Organizers say that they have so far raised more than $15,000. The fundraising goal for the event is $30,000.
The walk was just one of 39 similar walks that took place in cities across the country Saturday night.
This is the second year the Coldest Night of the Year has been held in Kelowna.