Coldest Night of the Year charity walk supporting food bank efforts

community service it benefits.

On February 25, participants will gather at the food bank on Quilchena Avenue to embark on their walk. Two route options are available, in two and five kilometre distances, round trip from the food bank to Century 21 and McDonalds, respectively.

grow each year,” Hewton added.

While the food bank’s main fundraising focus is their capital campaign to secure a new facility, having outgrown their current home, they continue to seek donations of food, big and small.

“It doesn’t have to be a lot, but it helps us,” noted Hewton.

2026 Quilchena Avenue, and can be reached at 250378-2282.

CONTAIN-IT

Food bank organizers are hopeful their third annual Coldest Night of the Year charity walk will rally support for their ongoing programming and new building campaign. Photo/Nicola Valley Food Bank

Merrittonians will once again head out into the cold this weekend to raise awareness and funds in support of those facing housing and food insecurity, as part of the Nicola Valley Food Bank (NVFB) third annual Coldest Night of the Year charity walk. The walk encourages participants to share their registration with family, friends, and coworkers in an effort to raise funds for the food bank, which is currently raising money to build a new facility. On Saturday, February 25, participants will gather at the food bank and set out on either a two or five kilometer walk in the cold winter air, knowing they will end their excursion with a warm meal, unlike many in the province currently facing financial hardship.

“It’s a walk that is nationwide, put on by the Blue

IS

Sea Foundation, and across Canada it helps about 135 different charities like the food banks, shelters, and any charity that qualifies,” said NVFB Manager Derlanda Hewton when describing the event.

“People can go on our Facebook page, there’s a link, and they can join in as a walker or a volunteer, and then they just ask family and friends to support their walk for the people that are facing homelessness, food insecu - rity, any financial hardship.”

The food bank’s Coldest Night of the Year event raised over $14,000 through 121 walkers amidst great turnout and high community participation. As of 6 days before the walk, the food bank has raised just 7 percent of its $20,000 goal for the 2023 event. Hewton is calling on individuals and businesses alike to participate, donate, and spread the word about the walk and the important

Those looking to participate in the walk must be registered, and it is suggested that they bring water, a cell phone, and wear weather appropriate clothing. Check in opens at 4:00pm, with the opening remarks and walk taking place at 5:00pm. A light meal will be served for 6:00pm. Plans are in the works for amenities such as portable toilets, Hewton said, adding the event is sure to be a great chance for community involvement.

“I haven’t heard any negativity about this event in the past years – it is a fun community outing, and we’re just looking forward to having it

For more information on the Coldest Night of

■ A p p r o v e d m i n i - s t o r a g e ■ O n - s i t e r e n t a ■ S e c u r e d ■ S a l e o f N e w & U s e d s t o r a g e c o n t a i n e r s

Phone: 250-315-3000

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

Sunday ser vice 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Ser vice Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p m

Sacred Hear t Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St • 250-378-3772

Ser vice Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. ( The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Ser vice Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church

1950 Max well St • 250-378-9502

250-378-5104 2151 Coutlee Ave., coppervalley@uniserve .com

Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday. To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: publisher@merrittherald.com

Rayella May Parr

September 30, 1969 - February 10, 2023

Rayella May Parr 53, born September 30 1969 in Calgary Alberta, passed away in the early morning of Feb 10, 2023 in the city of Merritt

Rayella is survived by her three sons; Michael Kenneth Parr, Mark Clayton Dewar, Matthew R, Racine Parr, and her countless loving family and friends

Rayella’s family will be hosting her celebration of life at the Elks lodge; SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 FROM 1 PM – 3 PM for anyone who wants to say their goodbyes

Merritt Funeral

2113 Granite Ave.,Mer ritt, BC 250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379

Current Job Oppor Tunities

We

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.makeafuture.ca/bcschools-and-districts/nicola-similkameen-school-district-no-58/. All applicants must provide a cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and three (3) professional references for each position they want to be considered