Coldest Night of the Year brings out 100+ in support of The Mustard Seed

“With the cold weather, we have people coming to our door at two, three, and four a.m. needing dry socks and dry clothes, something to eat or something to drink,” says Byron Bradley, Managing Director of The Mustard Seed Red Deer.

“We’ve seen a rise in our numbers recently for our dinner and our drop-in lunch because of the extended cold snap.”

Frostbite is a common sight, adds Bradley, who took the time to once again call for added supports in Red Deer like 24/7 shelter and increased affordable housing.

“A lot of people are in some pretty difficult situations with their physical health, and because of the long stretch of cold weather, it’s really taken a toll on peoples’ mental health as well,” he says.

For various reasons, such as the sluggish economy and various other competing priorities, Bradley points out, the 2019 Coldest Night of the Year won’t raise the $35,000 it did in 2018. However, the over $22,000 and awareness being raised will go a long way.

“It’s about getting the whole family out and getting people out from the community to go walk a few kilometres in the shoes of those who are experiencing poverty.”

Among others, Hope Mission also assisted with the walk on Saturday, providing rest stops for participants.

For more information, visit CNOY.org and TheSeed.ca.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Coldest Night of the Year brings out 100+ in support of The Mustard Seed

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