In support of dignity and respect for all
Squamish Helping Hands Society is dedicated to social housing and issues related to emergency sheltering and support of the unhoused. They’ve been doing this work since 2006. Their belief that every person who lives in Squamish deserves dignity and respect is the foundation for everything they do. In addition to operating essential housing and support programs, the organization hosts the annual Coldest Night of the Year event, partnering with volunteers to raise funds and awareness for Squamish’s most vulnerable residents.
FortisBC Indigenous relations manager, Cassandra Barrow shared her thoughts on the work that Squamish Helping Hands Society does.
“As this was my first year participating in Coldest Night of the Year, it was wonderful to join with my FortisBC colleagues for this great event in support for health and wellbeing, shelter and transitional housing, food security and community outreach offered by Squamish Helping Hands Society. As a member of the EGP Project, it’s rewarding to have these opportunities to get involved with local community organizations and do our part to be good neighbours.”
Supporting each other in the community
Coldest Night of the Year is an annual event that happens every February in support of local charities in communities across Canada. Since the event was founded in 2011, volunteers have helped raise over $75,000,000 in 190 Canadian communities. All of the proceeds stay local in support of organizations like Squamish Helping Hands Society to help people who experience homelessness in the community.
Surerus Murphy Joint Venture project manager Jason McElligott was thrilled to see the team come together in support of the event. The company donated $1500 for a rest stop to help give participants a break during the walk. Overall, the joint EGP Project team raised $1550 for Squamish Helping Hands Society.
"Coldest Night of the Year specifically addresses the needs of a vulnerable people who live in Squamish,” Jason said. “It pulls on the heartstrings, and it also lines up with our values as a company. It’s a community-building, locally focused event that encourages everyone who lives here to help their neighbours. It is our pleasure to be involved. For me personally, I’ve lived and worked in this community now for a few years, experiencing the generous spirit the people of Squamish have for their community. I'm grateful to be part of it.”
A chance to come together
The Coldest Night of the Year hosted by Squamish Helping Hands Society is a chance to come together as a community of people who share the same values of dignity and respect for all. Everyone who participates is invested in the safety and support of everyone who lives in Squamish, including those who struggle, especially during the winter.
Cassandra touches on what participating in Coldest Night of the Year means to her.
“The event is intentionally planned each year to take place in February after the holidays. This is when the days are still dark and dreary, often taking a deep physical and mental toll, especially for people at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. On the year of their organization’s 20th anniversary, it’s incredible to see how Squamish Helping Hands Society continues to bring the community together and uplift those in need. I was so honoured to participate.”
To learn more about how Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline (EGP) Project supports local organizations doing great work in the communities where we operate, be sure and visit the community tab on our project page.
