The Coldest Night of the Year Walk is just a few weeks away.
It'll happen on Saturday, February 28. Fundraising locally has gone very well, and it's the Rotary Club of Dauphin that is leading the charge.
Led by team captain Kathy Bellemare, the Rotary Ramblers include Christine Harapiak, Darren Eddie, Jean-Louis Guillas, and Trina Mathison. All funds raised this year will go towards the Dauphin Friendship Centre's Food for Thought program.
The program feeds registered children during the school year with a hot meal on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bellemare shares why the Rotary Ramblers are taking part.
"Some Rotarians have volunteered with the program, and we understand the value," said Bellemare. "We also deliver meals for seniors on Friday. It's about the community service."
25 days until the walk, the Ramblers have already raised 79% of their goal. They hope to raise $4,500, and have already raised $3,533.30. Bellemare leads the way, raising $1,150.
"It's pretty humbling that people are supportive and willing to step up," added Bellemare. "I'm so happy to see that people in the community see the value of this program."
Locally, 10 teams have raised more than $9,000 as of publishing. The Northwest Metis Council, led by Shannon Genaille, has raised the second-most at $2,445. The DFC Frostbite Fighters, led by Audrey Klyne, have raised $1,035 and are in third.
That's already thousands of dollars worth of hot meals to serve registered kids in the community.
"The whole idea of Coldest Night of the Year is important. That particular program is near and dear to my heart," continued Bellemare. "I've seen kids lining up at Barker School when I was working there. The enthusiasm and all the smiles. It's a mom thing, too, you like to see kids fed."
If you'd like to donate to the cause, head here.
As Bellemare and the Rotary Ramblers eye down their $4,500 goal, Kathy tips her hat to the community for stepping up.
"Thank you for your support and generosity," ended Bellemare. "We still have a few weeks, so hopefully, many more people step up to donate. If you're not comfortable donating online, get in touch with anyone on the team, or me. There are ways for me to take financial donations."
In Canada, 4,906 teams are registered for this year's walk. That's 19,233 walkers. That's 33,303 donors across 223 locations. Rotary International has raised $76,382. In all, more than 5 million dollars has been raised nationally.
