White Rock/South Surrey Coldest Night raises $245K for Sources
Published 12:01 pm Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Colourful tuques and smiles-a-plenty decorated White Rock’s waterfront on Saturday (Feb. 28), as more than 500 people turned out to pace the promenade and surrounding area in support of Sources Foundation’s Coldest Night of the Year walkathon.
The event raised some $215,000 in support of individuals experiencing food insecurity, homelessness and mental health challenges – not including a separate, anonymous donation of $30,000 that was given directly to Sources, boosting the total impact to nearly $245,000.
And the figure – which a news release notes has so far put White Rock/South Surrey in third place for fundraising among 220 walk locations across Canada – still has time to grow, with donations being accepted through March 31.
The theme of this year’s walk was ‘This is OUR neighbourhood,’ and Sources president and CEO David MacIntyre said the community rose to the occasion.
“The generosity and heart of this community is truly inspiring,” MacIntyre said in the release.
“My sincere thanks to each and every neighbour for coming out in support of those among us experiencing hardships.”
This was the 13th year of the walk for Sources, benefiting some of their “most critical services” – their homelessness prevention program, homeless outreach services and the White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank.
According to 2025 Point-in-Time Homeless Count for Greater Vancouver, the number of unsheltered individuals in Surrey jumped by 46 per cent between 2023 and 2025, the release notes.
Speakers Saturday included White Rock Mayor Megan Knight, while celebrity fitness trainer Tommy Europe kept energy high and the Amazing Grace Choir joined the event for the first time with a moving rendition of O’Canada. Live music by Chris Thornley helped keep participants motivated along the route.
After, participants warmed up with soup from Sheila’s Catering; hot dogs, mini donuts from Lil’ Ooties; coffee and hot chocolate by Kingha Coffee; and treats from HomeLife Benchmark Realty. Pebble Lane Learning hosted face painting and crafts for children.
The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks to the volunteers and Sources staff whose efforts helped ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all.
White Rock Baptist Church team captain Hannah Juras said by coming alongside Sources’ work through the walk “we can see our community changed for good.”
“It’s important for us at White Rock Baptist Church to stay connected and engaged with people in our local community, and that includes those who are experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness,” Juras said in the release.
This year’s top individual fundraiser was Rose Block, raising $9,900, while White Rock Baptist Church was the top fundraising team, bringing in nearly $48,000.
Supporting sponsors for Sources’ event were Elkay Development Ltd. and HomeLife Benchmark Realty.
Sources Foundation’s fundraising goal for the 2026 event is $300,000. To donate to the campaign, visit cnoy.org/whiterocksouthsurrey
Other Surrey-area CNOY events were held in Cloverdale ($195,417 raised as of March 3), Newton ($12,356) and Whalley ($16,210).