91原创 residents can compete in a national competition while raising money for the less fortunate in the community.

The local shelter 鈥� Salvation Army鈥檚 Gatway of Hope is at the forefront to represent the municipality at 鈥楥oldest Night of the Year鈥� competition.

The idea behind the 鈥渨interrific鈥� family-friendly walk is to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

All the money raised will be used for 91原创 and Aldergrove communities, said Julie Gilfillan, operations manager at Gateway of Hope.

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The 2022 鈥楥oldest Night of the Year鈥� will be celebrated on Feb. 26. With only nine days left, the local campaign is still short of more than $19,000 of its $30,000 goals. Many residents have already teamed up to hit the roads, creating awareness and raising money through donations. Gilfillan said that 22 teams and 119 walkers have signed up so far.

Team 91原创 Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, that has nine members in it is currently the scoreboard leaders in 91原创. They have raised more than $2,000 so far. Refuge Youth and 91原创 Community Action team are on second and third positions respectively, each raising a little more than $1,400.

On the national level, the goal is to raise $10,000,000 鈥� 65 per cent of which has already been raised. The scoreboard leader is team a from Moncton, New Brunswick with 16 members. They have raised more than $50,000 so far.

The annual event first started in 2014 helped the local shelter raise $37,800 last year.

During the pandemic, Gatway of Hope has seen a 鈥渕assive鈥� increase in need in 91原创, shared Gilfillan.

鈥淧eople are out of work and they need food and other supplies. There is a drastic increase in demand and we are happy to step up and help.鈥�

Gilfillan has high hopes that the fundraiser will hit the target.

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鈥淭he community comes through and helps us. We have tons of community support. We can not do what we do without our community.鈥�

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She added that in past, they have seen fundraisers like these take momentum in the last week.

To participate, people can self-organize local teams and register themselves online at cnoy.org. After registration, teams can pick any day prior to Feb. 26 to go for a walk. The organizers want residents to ensure they map out a safe two to five km route and go out with their covid-safe bubble.

鈥淚t is a great event. It is friendly family. We hope to see everyone enjoying and sharing their photos with us.鈥�

Walkers who raise more than $150 (adults 18 and above) or $75 (youth 17 and under) will receive a CNOY toque as a thank you.

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