There are some events that fit our communities perfectly, and Coldest Night of the Year is one of them—a family-friendly 2 km and 5 km winter walk rooted in something that matters: people stepping out into a winter evening together to support neighbours facing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

This year, StellerVista was proud to take part in Coldest Night of the Year in Castlegar, Boundary Country, and Cranbrook. In all three communities, we showed up in two ways: as a main sponsor, and as walkers. We were very pleased to see our local staff, in each of these communities, step up to build their own teams, raise their own money, and directly contribute to the cause, well above and beyond what StellerVista had already put forward.  

In Castlegar we had the team, “SVCU Give us some Credit”, the “StellerVista Vikings” in Boundary Country, and “SVCU Walking like we live here” in Cranbrook. Fun times, yes—but also a good reminder that community support is not something that only happens in boardrooms or budget meetings. Sometimes it looks like jackets, toques, boots, warm drinks, and people showing up.

Locally, the event supported Castlegar Community Services Society, Boundary Family Services, and Community Connections Society—three organizations doing very real, very practical work in our region. One of the things we appreciate most about Coldest Night is that the impact stays close to home. The people walking are local. The organizations benefiting are local. And the funds raised stay local too.

In total, StellerVista and its teams contributed more than $2000, in each community. To everyone who donated, walked, volunteered, organized, or cheered from the sidelines—thank you.