In support of Airdrie P.O.W.E.R (Protecting Our Women with Emergency Resources), Coldest Night of the Year saw a large crowd participate in a walk and donate to the organization this weekend.

The Coldest Night of the Year walk is a family-friendly way to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

Tim Callaway, a board member for Airdrie P.O.W.E.R, who also participated in the walk was ecstatic to see so many people come out.

"This is the first year that Airdrie P.O.W.E.R has been a part of it, but we're so happy by the response that we received from the community, we have about 150 parties that have signed up. So that means anywhere from single individuals up to families.

Callaway predicted there were around 400 people at the event.

Coldest Night of the Year is a Canada-wide event, according to Callaway around $20 million was raised for local charities last year.

"A couple of days ago, it was so cold, I was beginning to wonder what have we gotten ourselves into, but people didn't bat an eye. They got a hold of the idea, and they committed, they talked to their friends and their co-workers and raise funds for us. We're just delighted with the response we've got from Airdrie."

Although total numbers are not in yet for the Airdrie area, it was announced right before the walk the goal of $30,000 was passed as $38,000 was already raised.

Dana Gable, the operations manager for Airdrie P.O.W.E.R couldn't believe all the people that came out to support them.

"This has just been incredible, I love seeing all the people out here. We've got lots of kids, we've got lots of families, we've got people of all ages, and they're all excited to be here. It's just been incredible."

Airdrie P.O.W.E.R.'s goal is to bring resources, education, and support to the community of Airdrie around the issue of domestic violence.

This is the first official year of the event, Airdrie P.O.W.E.R does hope to make this their annual event from here on out.

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