The Mustard Seed’s annual Coldest Night of the Year will be a bit different this year with a virtual event, but the organization is looking forward providing same experience remotely.

“People can still participate virtually so they can design their own route or they could use the one that's online that we have. They can walk on whatever day they want,” said Scott Tilbury, Fund Development Officer of the Red Deer Mustard Seed.

Since the pandemic began, the Coldest Night of The Year was last event the Mustard Seed has been able to host.

“It was the last official real event that we had and it was a really beautiful evening,” added Tilbury.

However, weather will not be a huge factor during this year’s event because participants are able to choose when they head out into the cold. Additionally, people are able to participate from their hometown.

“We have people walking this year all over central Alberta for the mustard seed, which is really cool. We have people in Three Hills that will be walking; we have people in Innisfail, Lacombe, and all over the place,” explained Tilbury.

The Mustard Seed has no need to worry about donations being raised during the walk because they have already surpassed the event’s $25,000 goal. So far, they have raised $27,720 with the event already.

“I think we have more walkers than ever and we have more teams than ever. People really want to do something and really want to help, and they're getting out and about. It's great opportunity to do something.  We'd like to break our goal of $35,000—our current record,” said Tilbury.

Last year, the organization was able to raise a total of $29,650.

Participants are encouraged to form a team of under ten people and walk with their team. Team captains will be able to pick up their ‘Coldest Night of the Year’ touque and other special items from the Mustard Seed on the February 16th, 18th and 20thbetween 10:00AM to 3:00 PM.

For more information on the event, you can click here.