Photo credit: YWCA

If you see a convoy roaming the streets of Saskatoon tomorrow afternoon, it’s not a protest or a parade, it’s the Coldest Night of the Year Walk.

Kristen Grenci, Manager of Development & Engagement at YWCA Saskatoon says the walk began in 2011 to give the public a glimpse into what it’s like to be unhoused during the harsh Canadian winters.

“We head out and we walk from YWCA Saskatoon to Ideas Inc., where some of our employment and learning programs are operating out of. This might be the walk that a woman seeking shelter with us would have to take each day to better her life and take her programs. It’s really about getting ourselves in the shoes of someone who’s unhoused, and experiencing, for just a little bit, what that experience might be like.”

Although the weather is warming up, which makes for great walking conditions, it doesn’t give a fulsome picture of what Saskatoon’s unhoused population goes through every winter.

“We’ve just come off a polar vortex, and when I think about the women and children who are unhoused in this, this really is an easy way to get involved and do something about our current homelessness crisis.”

Grenci says over 100 registrants will be taking part in a 2 or 5 kilometre walk, beginning at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow. The goal is to raise $50,000, every dollar of which will stay local and go towards providing wrap around services for those in need.

“Proceeds from the event stay local to support vital programs and services…In 2023, the YWCA Saskatoon was forced to turn away 5,297 woman and children because our shelter is always full.”

Grenci says it’s not too late to register a team or donate. Any wanting to walk for a cause can register at CNOY.org/Saskatoon.