Nathan Thiessen takes part in the 2025 Coldest Night of the Year walk in North Battleford on Feb. 22, 2025. Dressed as a banana, he says he doesn’t mind “looking stupid” for a good cause. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

By Kenneth Cheung

BEACONS OF HOPE

Coldest Night of the Year walk raises over $20K for vulnerable youth in the Battlefords

Feb 23, 2025 | 8:00 AM

The Battlefords’ community spirit shone brightly at the 2025 Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk on Saturday as more than 60 participants helped to raise over $20,000 to support Territorial Youth Services (TYS).

With every step on the two or five-kilometre walk through the cold, walkers felt a glimpse of the hardship many homeless youth endure every day.

Shad Hodgman, a staff member at TYS, said the cause is personal, as he works closely with youngsters coming out of tough situations.

“Sometimes they’ve been homeless, sometimes they’re just looking for a safe place. When they come to us, they’re often nervous and unsure,” he said.

“But when they start working on a project — whether it’s building something or shovelling a driveway — you see a change. By the end, they step back and see something they’ve built with their own hands. That’s when they start to believe in their own value.”

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Youth homelessness remains a serious issue. Citing data from Youth Without Shelter in Toronto, up to 40,000 young people across Canada experience homelessness annually, with 6,000 to 7,000 seeking shelter nightly.

In Saskatchewan, a 2024 Point-in-Time Count in Saskatoon found 1,499 homeless individuals — nearly triple the 2022 count. Youth aged 13 to 24 made up 15.3 per cent of the city’s homeless population.

The Coldest Night of the Year is a national initiative raising funds for local charities aiding those in need. In the Battlefords, the money supports TYS, which has provided mentorship, shelter and life skills to at-risk youth for more than 35 years.

2025 Coldest Night of the Year in North Battleford on Feb. 22, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Cam Gee, one of the volunteers who independently helped raise the most funds, said his motivation also came from personal experience.

“When I worked in security, I saw so many people suffering from hurt, hunger and homelessness. I wanted to help raise awareness and make a difference,” he said.

Bev Klassen, whose team raised the most money, reflected on the importance of giving back.

“We’re a competitive family, but the real drive was knowing the difference this makes. This program works with young offenders and kids who need hope. It feels good knowing we’re helping them find a better path,” she said.

A little baby braving the cold to take part in the 2025 Coldest Night of the Year walk in North Battleford on Feb. 22, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

In a community often shadowed by challenges, Hodgman believes this fundraiser proved the power of compassion.

“It just brings the community together, and makes a safer, more loving place for everybody,” he said. “Events like this make that possible.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com