Despite cold and snow, the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) welcomed 140 people to its third annual Nightwalk for Hope Jan. 30, while playing double duty as staff opened the society’s extreme weather shelter.
WCSS executive director Jackie Dickinson said the event raised $45,000, just shy of WCSS’ intended fundraising goal of $50,000.
“It was a beautiful, snowy night. We had 140 people in attendance. I’m very grateful, and anyone else who wants to donate to our campaign is welcome to do so,” she said.
The cold and snowy weather paired well with an evening billed to be uncomfortable. Nightwalk for Hope is a fundraiser for WCSS’ outreach services. Staff had more than 10,000 interactions with community members in 2024, and the primary reason people access services is the intersection of mental health and financial insecurity.
In 2024, outreach visits increased by 20 per cent. WCSS needs to increase funding for this stream of services to keep up with growing demand.