Submitted by Nelson CARES
Nelson CARES Society’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising event will be taking place Saturday, Feb. 24 with hundreds of walkers hitting the chilly, dark streets of Nelson. Those walkers will have asked their friends, family and co-workers to donate to support their walk.
Because of the fast-paced nature of CNOY event, almost 100 volunteers are needed to pull off this event successfully and safely! Walkers will be checking in at 4 p.m. before the walk starts at 5 p.m. Following that, meal service starts at 6 p.m. welcoming CNOY walkers for a warm bowl of chili and smiles and by 7 p.m. most folks are headed home.
There are a wide variety of volunteer roles to choose from. You can volunteer for the event and still walk with your friends on event day. You can work outside before the event and help with route sign installation or during the event as a route marshal, or sign up to be a rest stop host, or a support driver. Likewise, volunteers also will be needed inside before the event to assist with the setup and decoration of the two venues. There are lots of volunteer roles during the event, everything from check-in crew and greeters, food team, including tear-down and clean-up.
Returning route marshal and city councillor Jesse Woodward has volunteer for several years.
“I am always amazed at the wonderful community spirit and energy that this fundraiser inspires. Everyone walking and volunteering knows that the funds raised are directly helping some of the most vulnerable in our city and it is this direct kind action and help that generates such goodwill and cheer for all of those involved. Helping others in need brings out the best in people and CNOY is such a great way to do just that.”
If you are curious about volunteering for the event please reach out to cnoy@nelsoncares.ca or head to cnoy.org/nelson to sign up.