YWCA’s Coldest Night of the Year returns to Regina on February 22

YWCA Regina’s is bringing its Coldest Night of the Year event back to the Queen City for the tenth time on February 22 in an effort to raise funds and resources for homeless women and families.

The walking event takes place in more than 200 communities across the country, and aims to help participants build empathy for the homeless by walking outdoors in the winter chill while raising funds for the YWCA’s temporary shelter My Aunt’s Place at the same time.

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• YWCA prepares for Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser

This year, the goal is to raise $75,000.

“We are so thankful for the community’s support of ten years of Coldest Night of the Year,” Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen, CEO of YWCA Regina, said in a statement.

“Hundreds of women and families find shelter and support at My Aunt’s Place annually. We opened Joan’s Place in 2024 to expand the impact of your support. The community coming together during Coldest Night of the Year gives women safe space to move forward.”

According to the YWCA, My Aunt’s Place housed more than 450 women and children in 2024, “but was forced to turn away over four times as many due to lack of space and resources.”

The need for more funding and resources has never been more pressing, the organization noted, as more and more individuals and families are struggling to pay for rent or afford basic necessities.

This year’s walk begins and ends at the YWCA’s kikaskihtânaw Centre on 12th Avenue at 4 p.m. Participants can walk the two- or five-kilometre route, and those who wish to sign up or make a donation can do so through the event’s website.

Saskatoon’s YWCA is also hosting a Coldest Night of the Year event on the same date.