Photo: Contributed

The Upper Room Mission is inviting people to get cold for a cause.

The Coldest Night of the Year Walk fundraiser takes place Feb. 23 and people are being encouraged to bundle up and raise some cold, hard cash to help the less fortunate.

Thousands of participants will be taking part in the walk in 100-plus cities across Canada, including Vernon.

By walking together in the chill of the night, participants will better understand the experience of being on the streets during a cold Canadian winter.

Participants can walk either the 2km or 5km route, and raise funds for the URM.

Walkers can pay the $25 registration fee, or waive the fee and raise a minimum of $150, or $75 for youth ages 11-17 years.

Children 10 and under can participate for free. Everyone that either pays the registration fee or raises the minimum will receive a CNOY toque.

The Vernon walk begins and ends at the St. James School, 2700 28th Ave., where participants will register, turn in the results of their fundraising efforts and return at the end of the evening for a warm celebration meal.

Registration starts at 4 p.m. with the walk kicking off at 5:15 p.m.

The URM has been serving Vernon residents in need since 1980.

Funds raised in the Coldest Night of the Year will benefit the agency in a time of the year known historically for low levels of giving.

More information can be found online.