The annual Coldest Night of the Year event happened last weekend.

For the event on February 24th, Baby It's Cold Outside organized teams to walk in Okotoks and help raise money for those in need.

"On the books we had 65 walkers and that was ten teams," says Pamela Morgan, the founder and president of Baby It's Cold Outside. "We had about 25 volunteers. Then we had quite a few walk-ins. So, we were easily around 100 people count at the end of the day. And some really great attention and awareness brought to our hurt, our homeless and hungry here locally in the Foothills. As it's increasing, we want to definitely bring more attention to the reality."

For the event, Baby It's Cold Outside was also sponsored by Tim Hortons and Boston Pizza, with the latter bringing enough pizza to feed 110 people.

At the event, there was also ice sculptures, face painting, balloons, and a photo booth.

"We actually had a Winter Fest activity prior to the Coldest Night of the Year, which brought a few more people out and just supported that community event overall," explains Morgan.

As of right now, Baby It's Cold Outside has raised just over $11,000 as part of the Coldest Night, but Morgan says there is still time to donate.

"It's at 55 per cent of our goal that we want to reach of $20,000, and folks still have until March 31st to donate to their teams or to donate to the walk itself so that we can reach our goal. So, we're still hopeful that we're going to close in on it," Morgan says. 

The money raised during this event will be used for Baby It's Cold Outside's Christmas Feast.

"Last year we served over 120 families. So, it was historical records that we were facing, and I am, again, looking to see that double," Morgan says.

Morgan adds that she is grateful to the Okotoks community for always showing up for each other.

"Okotoks needs to be proud of how they donate and contribute their time to everyone. Very proud."

To donate, the Coldest Night of the Year webpage is where you will want to head.

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