Mustard Seed chaplain Murray Kumm is hoping for a large turnout to Saturday's annual Coldest Night of the Year event. (CHAT News photo)

By Alex McCuaig

Coldest Night

Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser taking place on Saturday

Feb 21, 2020 | 1:00 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Coldest Night of the Year will be descending on Medicine Hat on Saturday with the 2020 edition of the event representative more of the challenges faced by those living rough in the city than the temperature this weekend.

“The importance of the event is the fact it is raising money and awareness of what it’s like to actually be outside,” said Mustard Seed chaplain Murray Kumm. “It’s not going to be as cold on Saturday as it was a month ago when it was thirty below but it gives people a little bit of an idea of what it’s like.”

Kumm said the event involves a choice of 2, 5 and 10 kilometre walks which are family friendly and those interested in taking part are welcome to do so right up to the start of registration at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Allowance Avenue Mustard Seed location.

“Five kilometres is a fair walk and lots of people are outside all night long or all day long because they don’t have a place or are not in a shelter,” said Kumm.

WHAT'S ON

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IN THE COMMUNITY

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HOLIDAYS

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The event has been held in Alberta for a decade with this year being Medicine Hat’s sixth year of hosting the event.

Proceeds raised locally will go towards programming at the Medicine Hat Mustard Seed.

Volunteers are also needed to help direct walkers along the route.

More information is available at the Coldest Night of the Year website.