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Last gasp of winter brings with it the Coldest Night of the Year

Just when it looked like spring was around the corner, we got hit with winter again.

Just when it looked like spring was around the corner, we got hit with winter again.

A couple of really nice days got me thinking about all the projects I have planned for the nicer weather, like picking up the leaves I didn’t get around to in the fall, collecting all the stuff I need to put out for Spring Cleanup and wondering if I’ll be able to rescue my lawn from the severe neglect I showed it last year.

And then we were reminded that winter is not over. And will again later this week. It didn’t take an oversized rodent to give us a signal.

Sunday morning came with a fresh blanket of snow in most of the Lower Mainland, although Tsawwassen was one of the few places spared. But that can be worse when you head out to other parts of town, completely unprepared for what lies on the ground.

It’s not uncommon to have winter show up in February, even the occasional March. I used to think the beginning of March was the time to get the motorcycle back on the road. Now, not so much. Then again, the bike has just been taking up space in the garage for about 17 years.

While we complain about the cold and snow, there are people in our community who have a much bigger challenge with it. Like surviving. Homelessness isn’t the problem in Delta it is in other parts of Vancouver, but there are lots of people who have to deal with challenges every day.

This Saturday, communities around the country will be participating in a fundraising event called the Coldest Night of the Year. For the Lower Mainland, Deltassist has been chosen as the charity to manage the event, and raise money for the programs it delivers.

This is a huge honour for Deltassist to be chosen for this national event. Best known for the Christmas Toy Depot, the agency runs programs throughout the year for the vulnerable in Delta, including a lot of programs for our seniors. The money raised will go a long way to support these programs.

The walk will take place in North Delta. Teams have been formed and anyone can register and participate. With the registration, you get a Coldest Night of the Year toque which, according to the weather forecast, you’ll need. But it’s a reminder of how lucky most of us are to have the life we live, the opportunities that come our way. Others aren’t so lucky, so here’s a chance to give back to help those who need the help most.

You can find out more information about the Coldest Night of the Year at www.cnoy.org.

So bundle up and be part of this great event while you can. Spring is just around the corner. I hope.

Brad Sherwin, MBA is a long-time resident of South Delta, and has over 25 years’ experience in marketing, public relations and business strategy. He teaches marketing at Douglas College, coaches hockey goalies and is president of the board of directors at Deltassist.