The Lloydminster Men’s Shelter has exceeded its fundraising goal of $20,000. They brought in $22,000 after the annual fundraising walk called the Coldest Night of the Year.
The Coldest Night of the Year is held in 123 communities across the country. Lloydminster is just one of the communities that came together to support the cold and hungry. Residents supported the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter in other ways too; food and items were donated to the shelter, and The Goat’s Rocks for Socks campaign raised 2,148 pairs of socks for those at the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.
Valerie Lazicki, executive director of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, says she’s thrilled to see the community show its support. She says many of those who walked that night are longstanding supporters who come and walk every year.
“It felt terrific to see so many people come out, on such a cold night. They really were walking a mile in the shoes of people who are homeless. It was really emotional to see so many people come out,” says Lazicki. This year’s total well exceeds the previous year’s total of $13,000 The Lloydminster Men’s Shelter hopes to expand on that goal next year.\
“I think we’re just going to continue to build momentum, and just hit the ground running and see what we can do.”
Saskatchewan MLA Colleen Young was one of those participating in the walk. Young walked the full 10 km distance of the track as a sign of support for the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter. She feels its necessary to take part in these kinds of events because there are many in our community without warm homes to return to.
“We’re dressed for it, we come dressed in three layers of clothes and dressed warmly. We don’t seem to realize there are vulnerable people in our community who don’t have a warm home to go to, who don’t have food on their table, or who don’t have a paycheque coming in. Those are people we need to think about and show compassion and care for in our community because they are part of their community.
The Lloydminster Men’s Shelter will continue accepting donations until the end of March to support their walk team. Those that wish to donate can find its page on cnoy.org under Lloydminster.