Stepping out for the Coldest Night of the Year

On any given day, more than 1,900 people are experiencing homelessness in Calgary. On top of that, there are thousands of others who are struggling to put food on their table. Or who are one obstacle away from losing the roof over their heads. 

We talk a lot about supporting low income and vulnerable community members at CUPS and it’s important to recognize that vulnerability looks different for everyone. 

There’s Kevin* who began using opiates and meth when he was 16 after his mother passed away. He aged out of the youth system and began living in emergency shelters. 

Joan* was fleeing a violent home situation and hitchhiked to Calgary, landing at a women’s shelter.

And when Mike’s wife died in 2017, he lost all hope and his five children. He reached out for help and with an incredible amount of hard work and support, he got his kids back and is building a new life in an uplifting community.

A face to those who are struggling

Kevin, Joan and Mike are just three Calgarians who, with their families, have experienced vulnerability and obstacles that have required support to get them through. 

It’s for them, and the thousands of others, that CUPS is proud to support The Coldest Night of the Year, a moment when thousands of Canadians “step outside the warmth and comfort of home and shine a light of welcome and inclusion.”

The Coldest Night of the Year takes place across the country on February 26, 2022, as we collectively stand up to show our support for those who are struggling in our community. 

CUPS is proud to have a team raising money that will go to our partners at The Mustard Seed through this wonderful initiative. To show your support, please click here and donate today!

*Names have been changed