Organizers of the first Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser in Rocky Mountain House is heralding it as a great success.
During the Feb. 28 event, 62 walkers on 14 teams combined to raise over $68,000 for the Mountain Rose Centre — comfortably above the $65,000 goal set out by organizers.
Local teams came from the Rocky Nazarene Church, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rocky Credit Union, Clearwater County, Walking Eagle Inn & Lodge, the Rocky Alliance Church, 94.5 Rewind Radio, and of course, the Mountain Rose Centre itself.
“I think it turned out to be a really good event, people had a lot of fun, and the weather wasn’t too bad,” says Lindsay Hunt, volunteer coordinator with the Mountain Rose Centre.
Hunt adds, most of the funds raised were covered by sponsors and team efforts, although a local individual contributed a large single donation.
Funds are still rolling in, she adds, with Rocky’s Coldest Night of the Year website accepting donations until March 31. You can find the link to donate here.
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In Red Deer, 271 walkers raised nearly $142,000 for the Mustard Seed.
The Lethbridge walk in support of the Wood’s Homes Lethbridge Opportunity Hub and Emergency Youth Shelter, raising nearly $14,000.
Across Canada, $15.1 million was raised as of March 4, with 40,149 walkers participating in 222 locations.
Volunteers also stepped up to make the event a success, with Hunt saying 25 volunteers showed up to help make an enjoyable evening for all.
“We like to thank everyone who came out and supported us and donated,” says Hunt. “It’s great to see how awesome this town is and how much everybody does to support local.”
The organization hopes to bring the event back in 2027.
The inaugural Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser was held Feb. 28, 2026 in Rocky Mountain House. (Image credit: Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter)
Participants gather outside the Rocky Legion ahead of the communities first Coldest Night of The Year fundraiser, Feb. 28, 2026. (Image credit: Sherry Nicholson photography)
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