White Rock/South Surrey Ranks First in National Fundraiser, Coldest Night of the Year, Raising $270,000 for Sources Foundation

SURREY AND WHITE ROCK, B.C. – February 25, 2024 – This past Saturday, White Rock/South Surrey ranked number one among 190 locations in Canada, raising over $270,000 for Sources Foundation’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY). Held at Memorial Park, White Rock, the event attracted over 550 walkers across age groups, cultures and backgrounds. Present at the venue was Sources Outreach Van, purchased with the funds raised in 2023 for transporting people to warming centres and service hubs.

“Congratulations to all my fellow community members for coming up at the number 1 position in Canada,” says Marc Burchell, CNOY Ambassador for White Rock/South Surrey location. “A big thanks to each of you for once again stepping up to support those in our community who are struggling.”

For the past 11 years, CNOY has been helping bring essential services closer to those in need. Proceeds from this year will go to Sources food banks, homeless prevention services, and peer support services. “Individuals experiencing homelessness have jumped by 64% in Surrey in the last three years,” says Jason Blaschuk. “While costs have increased across the board, funding from the government and other agencies has remained the same.” Through events like CNOY, Sources Foundation not only raises critical funds but also brings awareness in the community.  

The Feb 24 event was emceed by celebrity fitness instructor Tommy Europe. Billy White and the Rockettes performed crowd favourites, Korki Klown wowed families with her fun surprises and balloons and DinoSOURCES made an honourary appearance. Walkers were served hot soup by Sheila’s Catering, hot dogs by Rotary Club of White Rock, delicious donuts by Little Ootie’s, Starbucks coffee, treats by Save-On-Foods, games and scarves by Prospera Credit Union and hot chocolate and Timbits by Uptown Printers. The event wrapped up with a prize draw for walkers and volunteers with generous prizes donated by the HomeLife Benchmark realtors. 

This year’s fundraising champion is Ernie Klassen of White Rock Pride Society who raised over $26,700. White Rock Pride Society came up as the top team, generating over $33,500. It was a very close race with White Rock Baptist Church trailing by only a couple of hundred dollars. Other teams included Semiahmoo Rotary Striders, Gracepoint Cares and Heart and Sole.

Sources Foundation is grateful for the generosity of local businesses, including our supporting sponsors Elkay, HomeLife Benchmark Realty and Karim Jandali, RBC Wealth Management and BC Housing.

This year’s fundraising goal is $300,000 and donations are accepted until March 31. To give, visit https://cnoy.org/location/whiterocksouthsurrey.