Some of the nearly 100 Hatters who took part in Saturday's Coldest Night of the Year event hosted by the Mustard Seed. (CHAT News photo)

By Alex McCuaig

Coldest Night

Nearly 100 Hatters turn out to Coldest Night of the Year event

Feb 23, 2020 | 1:07 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Coldest Night of the Year took place in Medicine Hat and across the country Saturday evening in 136 communities, raising funds to assist in providing programming for individuals needing a hand up.

With proceeds still being calculated, the city’s event is expected to be near its fundraising goal of $20,000 which will go to the breakfast program at the Mustard Seed.

But for Hatter Abe Penner, the event also provided an opportunity to teach his four children the benefits of selflessness.

“I think we live in a time where often we are focused on what is happening in our life and we look at our needs and we often forget to look around at the needs of those around us,” said Penner, who was also joined by his pregnant wife and nearly 100 other Hatters.

“I want to bring out my family to be able to see there is needs outside of us and to participate in that and how can I make a difference in the world around us and this is one way my kids can start looking around and going, ok we need to start focusing on people and their needs.”

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The team leader for local business Clow Canada, Veronica Marr, says this its participation in Saturday’s event was inspired by its sister foundry in Saint John, NB taking part in that city’s Coldest Night event.

But additionally, Marr said she has a personal connection for taking part.

“Homeless people are near and dear to my heart because I happened to know someone who lived on the streets for quite a while. And I think the Mustard Seed and the Salvation Army and all those groups are awesome for these guys,” said Marr. “They help a lot.”

The Clow Canada “Crackerjacks” team raised more than $1,700 for the event.

This was the 10^th year for the event in Canada and sixth in Medicine Hat.