The second annual Coldest Night of the Year Walk attracted 120 participants on Saturday night.
The large group of walkers met at the Mission Youth House (MY House) on Proctor Ave. to begin the fundraising event.
Calvin Williams, Mission-area director for Youth Unlimited and on-site manager of MY House, called the event a big success.
“We raised just under $26,000,” said Williams.
Last year the walk managed to generate $14,000 in donations.
“This year was a little different because we did it in partnership with Hope Central and we are splitting the proceeds 50/50.”
The money will be used to help support staffing costs to run the many programs offered by MY House.
The Coldest Night of the Year walk is a Canada-wide initiative that takes place in communities across the country. This year, the events raised just over $4 million.
About MY House:
My House’s new mission statement is “Working together to provide a comfortable daytime refuge where vulnerable youth can access resources necessary for their well being.”
The facility is open Monday to Thursday from11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“It’s daytime help including showers, laundry, a medical clinic and lots of food and also access to a variety of caring professional adults.”
Williams said the focus is to help youth feel at home.
Any youth age 14 to 24 can stop by.
Every Wednesday, from 3 to 5 p.m., MY House offers a medical clinic with a physician on-site.
Any youth with a medical concern or question can come by.
“They don’t even need a CareCard.”