White Rock/South Surrey Community Dedicates 10 Years of Fundraising Through Coldest Night of the Year, Generating Over $1M for People in Need

SURREY AND WHITE ROCK, B.C. – February 27, 2023 – The White Rock/South Surrey community has together raised more than $1 million over 10 years of participating in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walkathon hosted by Sources Foundation. In the last decade, this event has attracted close to 3,500 walkers to be a part of this fundraiser.

“Over the past 10 years of CNOY, our community has brought awareness to a very challenging issue that wasn’t talked about much – homelessness,” says Sources Foundation CEO David Young. “It’s encouraging to be a part of something that has everyone across ages, cultures, beliefs, and financial levels gathering for a very real matter that affects our community.”

For this year’s event, which was held February 25, more than 400 donors rallied to raise over $238,000 for those living in need in White Rock and South Surrey. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help provide pantry items and hot meals, clothing, rent support, and counselling for those struggling with mental health issues. Sources Foundation will also be using the funds to purchase a van to drive people who don’t have any other means to get to its resource centres.

“I’m very proud of our kind-hearted community that has helped raise $238,000 and counting this year,” says Bryan Sommer, CNOY Co-chair. “Each year I attend, I feel proud of the work Sources Foundation does to put this event on.”

The walk was kicked off by White Rock Mayor Megan Knight. Celebrity fitness instructor Tommy Europe led the warm-up send off and Billy White and the Rockettes sang tunes that had the crowd dancing. Other highlights included Korki Klown, face painting, and a scavenger hunt. The walkathon concluded with Sheila’s Catering serving hot soup, Rotary Club of White Rock providing hot dogs, Little Ootie’s warm donuts, Starbucks coffee, and treats by HomeLife Benchmark Realty Corp.

“Our community has once again demonstrated their generous, caring hearts, making White Rock/South Surrey the second leading fundraiser out of 182 locations across Canada,” says Marc Burchell, CNOY Co-Chair.

Special thanks goes out to top walker Ernie Klassen of White Rock Pride Society, collecting donations exceeding $8,500! The top team this year was White Rock Baptist Church at over $31K. Other teams included Saint Jean Paul II Academy, Scouts for the Homeless, and United Feet On The Street.

Sources Foundation is grateful for all its generous supporters including lead sponsors Elkay Developments Ltd. and RBC.

This year’s fundraising goal is $250,000 and donations are accepted until March 31. To give, visit cnoy.org/whiterocksouthsurrey.