For the fifth consecutive year, the Regina YWCA will be hosting “The Coldest Night of the Year” walk this Saturday.

“The Coldest Night of the Year” is a country-wide event focused on raising awareness about homelessness in Canada and raising money for programs helping fight homelessness.

Donna Boyle, Director of Communications for YWCA Regina says that while the focus of the event is rather heavy, the walk itself is rather enjoyable.

“It’s family friendly, its for toddlers to adults,” said Boyle. “The money goes to programming to help support families to try and get them from homelessness to stable housing.”

People participating in the walk can choose between the 2 km or 5 km route. Each route will feature fun-filled interactive rest-stops, as well as cheer stations with hot chocolate, coffee, and chicken soup.

Boyle says that if kids are interested in participating, it can be a educational experience for them.

“If you bring your kids, children raise money. It’s really a good way to teach children about giving back to people who are maybe a little less fortunate,” said Boyle. “It’s also an opportunity to learn about homelessness along the way and how it affects people right here in our city.”

If you don’t want to run, but you still want to be a part of the event, you can sponsor a walker or team.

Boyle says that any amount of money donated, small or big, makes a huge difference.

People wishing to sign up or donate to the walk still have time to do so, money will be collected right up until start time.

Registration starts at 4 pm with the walk starting at 5 pm. More information can be found at https://cnoy.org/regina.

(With files from Josh Sigurdson)