Records were broken for this year’s Coldest Night of Year which was the first one that has ever been held virtually.  In total, $84,500 was fundraised for Red Deer’s Mustard Seed.  The event’s fundraising goal was only $25,000.

“We are so thankful for the very enthusiastic, compassionate support of Central Albertans for the Mustard Seed’s vulnerable citizens for the Coldest Night of the Year. Over 67 teams and 256 walkers participated in the event. Red Deer was ranked number seven for the amount of teams participating in the county. There were 149 cities participating,” said Scott Tilbury, Fund Development Officer for Red Deer’s Mustard Seed.

In their own groups teams and families set out to for walks on their own accord on whatever trail the preferred. Some walked the Troll Falls Trail in Kananaskis Country while other participated from all over Central Alberta.

“We’ve had an unbelievable response by Central Albertans. We are so grateful. We're so thankful. Words can hardly express how we feel,” added Tilbury.

Team Sypkes during their Coldest Night of the Year walk.

The top fundraising team called ‘Team Sypkes’ raised over $13,000 for the Mustard Seed alone and ranked 48th in the country for the highest donation.

Tilbury says the money could not have come at a better time.  

“It's absolutely critical there are families right now struggling due to the loss of employment and poverty,” said Tilbury.

Donations are still coming in as the remaining teams finish up their walks this week. Given the success of the virtual event, Tilbury says the Mustard Seed may consider a blended event in the future to give people the option of joining them at the Mustard Seed or walking their own path.

As they wrap up Coldest Night of the Year, the Mustard Seed looks forward to working the PCN Women’s Fun Run for their usual Mother’s Day event.