Organizers are declaring Rocky Mountain House’s first ever Coldest Night of the Year a smashing success, as the February 28 event raised $70,000 — well ahead of expectations.
After expenses were factored in, $36,300 was given back to the Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter Association, and $12,000 was given to the Clearwater Regional Housing Foundation.
The cheques were presented to the organizations in a May 7 ceremony at the Mountain Rose Centre.
“Currently, we’ve been serving more women and children who are struggling to find safe, affordable housing,” says Cindy Easton, executive director of the Mountain Rose Centre. “This will give us more options to make sure our women and children aren’t living in their vehicles or on the street.”
The funds to MRWSA are unrestricted, meaning it will go to address the greatest, most immediate needs including transportation, food hampers, furniture and resources to help with transition to safe housing.
The turnout for the Coldest Night of the Year far exceeded expectations. Easton says around 100 people were involved with the Feb. 28 walk — twice the amount expected. Being the first year, organizers had hoped to raise around $20,000, but Easton says — thanks to the generosity of the Rocky community — more than $70,000 came in.
In 2025 it was announced that — due to changes in provincial grant funding — the Mountain Rose Centre was forced to reduce its level of service from 28 beds down to 21.
The organization is expecting an update from the Alberta government regarding shelter funding in June.
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The other $12,000 went toward the Clearwater Regional Housing Foundation, which had been hosting a warming shelter program at the Lord’s Food Bank.
Like the MRWSA donation, Kandis Stradecki, chairperson for the Clearwater Regional Housing Foundation says the funds will go toward the most critical needs of the program.
Stradecki adds, the funds will help expand the warming shelter — including the possibility of moving away from the food bank to a new space.
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Both Stradecki and Easton participated in the Coldest Night of the Year.
“It was absolutely freezing and windy that night, but it was so worth it,” says Stradecki. “We’re looking forward to partnering with the Mountain Rose Centre for next year and really focusing on what the coldest night of the year actually means for people on a daily basis.”
The walk featured 14 teams participating in a two or five kilometer walk. The walk started at the Rocky Legion and ended back there with chili, soup and hot chocolate. Organizers say everyone had a great time.
“Without the community, our fundraisers wouldn’t work and our shelter would really struggle,” says Easton. “I’m really thankful that Rocky Mountain House has such great community spirit.”
A 2027 Coldest Night of the Year is being planned.
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