Submitted by Castlegar and District Community Services
On Feb. 26 thousands of Canadians walked in the cold to support local charities that assist people who are homeless, hurting and hungry. In Castlegar, there were 20 teams, 82 walkers, 172 donors and business sponsors supporting Castlegar and District Community Services (CDCSS) homelessness and Youth Action Network programs. Together, teams of youth, businesses and community members have already raised about $15,00.
The winter shelter will soon close for the season, having already turned away up to 200 people this winter. The Community Services homelessness programs have been providing shelter for 13 residents and meals for up to 72 people a day and have served up to 250 people in the last fiscal year. CDCSS will continue to provide services where they can, but they need community help.
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“We want to thank all the businesses and community members supporting this event including lead sponsor Mercer Celgar, distance sponsor Kootenay Savings Credit Union, Castlegar News, The Pennywise and The Source,” says CDCSS.
Castlegar has already raised 75 per cent of it’s $20,000 goal and there is still time to donate and raise funds. CDCSS is reaching out to the people of Castlegar to continue to walk, raise funds and donate until March 31.
There will be one more toque pick up and info booth at the Way Out Winter Homeless Shelter at 1660 Columbia Avenue on Friday, March 18 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visit CNOY.org and select Castlegar to donate now. Contact Zoe Mackay at youth@cdcss.ca or phone 250-365-2104 ext. 226 for any questions.
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