Langley’s Coldest Night Walk Brings Community Together In Support

Langley’s Coldest Night Walk Brings Community Together In Support

FEBRUARY 24, 2015; Langley, BC: Just over 260 walkers gathered at The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope on Saturday while the sun set on a clear night sky, a big change to last year’s snow and wet weather. Supporters of all ages gathered and walked 2, 5 or 10km to raise awareness of homelessness in Langley and also to raise money for the programs and services offered by the Gateway of Hope. This was Gateway’s second year hosting the event and saw more walkers, volunteers and donations come in. Not only was this a great event for the community to get involved in, it also sends out the message that the community cares about the hurting, hungry and homeless in our own backyard. While final processing is being completed to determine the grand total, estimates are that over $20,000 was raised for Gateway of Hope.

Gateway thanks all who came out to support the event on Saturday. Walkers heard from MP Mark Warawa, City Mayor Ted Schaffer and Township Mayor Jack Froese on just how far Gateway has come from inception 9 years ago due to ongoing community support. Thanks goes to the 53 volunteers that lent a hand in the execution of the event as well as all the walkers, team captains, and fundraisers. Prospera Credit Union, Kintec Footwear and Starbucks Brookswood & Valley Centre locations helped make the evening a fun experience. Over 35 pairs of new or gently used shoes were donated at the Kintec Footwear booth, who later presented them to the Gateway’s Emergency Shelter.

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About The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope
The Gateway of Hope is located in the community of Langley (City of Langley) and embodies the Salvation Army’s century old mission to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the people we serve. At The Gateway there are many ways we come along-side those in need. So much more than a homeless shelter, The Gateway of Hope serves all people, regardless of ethnicity, spiritual beliefs or age. Treating all individuals that come to us with respect and compassion, we work to build relationships and partnerships throughout Langley. The doors at The Gateway of Hope are always open to receive the community. We welcome your support as we provide daily meals through our Community Meal Centre, access to emergency shelter, spiritual guidance and much more through our Programs and Services.

About the Coldest Night of the Year
The Coldest Night of the Year is a fantastically fun, family-friendly walking fundraiser that raises money for the hungry, homeless and hurting in 65 communities across Canada. The 2, 5 and 10km WALK is held on Saturday, February 21st, 2015, and provides participants the opportunity to experience a hint of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness while raising much needed revenue for their favourite local charity . Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised $4.9 million dollars through the tireless efforts of each of our well known and well respected location partners (charities).

Media Contact:
Troy Gaglardi, Director of Community Resources
604-514-7375 | troyg@gatewayofhope.ca

2015-05-26T06:30:31+00:00