Coldest Night of the Year 2018 - Tom Budd partners with Metro Community from Metro Community on Vimeo.

This weekend could literally be the coldest night of the year for "Coldest Night of the Year," a fundraiser to support Metro Community.

Metro Community is a church, where a group of people from all walks of life learn to live together.

This year philanthropist Tom Budd has stepped up to become a title sponsor of the event through his “Thomas Alan Budd Foundation.”

Budd has experienced his own challenges and is on a personal journey back from trauma, heartache, and loss.  His foundation is challenging Kelowna to step up and support CNOY.  The organizer's hope with your help, we can make serious changes and have a significant impact on those less fortunate when we all come together to show our support.

Sandy Shier has been a big supporter of Metro Community, which is where the proceeds of this fundraiser will go.  

Sandy was one of the founding members of Metro Community and has heard many stories over the years of heartache, abuse, addiction, and hopelessness.

According to Executive Pastor, Jeff Simla, "this event is not just about financial support - it's also about awareness. It’s about reminding the people of our city to sit up and take notice of the most vulnerable in our community and the hardships that they face."

Simla tells Castanet that Metro Community is directly in keeping with the City’s efforts to create a cohesive strategy to address poverty and homelessness in our community.

According to Simla, Coldest Night of the Year - CNOY is the largest event of it's kind in Canada, raising awareness for homelessness from coast to coast in 52 different communities.

The funds will go towards the recently purchased Food bank building on Ellis St. Silma says, "today, hundreds call Metro Community their home…many of whom are experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental health issues and all kinds of vulnerability, and this new centre on Ellis Street is a ‘game changer’ for our city. It will be a HOME for so many who need a place to belong - to discover dignity, purpose, and identity."