Residents in Spruce Grove, Alberta, have already raised $78,196 to help buy fresh food for their neighbours, beating a $70,000 fundraising goal one day before the Coldest Night of the Year walk on February 28, 2026. The money goes to the Parkland Food Bank Society, which provides food for about 2,400 people every month.
Organizers say the extra donations will be used to buy fresh groceries like eggs and produce for the rest of the year. These items are often harder for the food bank to provide than canned goods because they cost more and must be purchased frequently to stay fresh. About 40 per cent of the people who rely on the food bank are children.
The main walking event begins with check-in at 4:00 p.m. on February 28, 2026, at Columbus Park. Local leaders are joining the 153 registered walkers, including teams led by Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker and Parkland County Councillor Ben Jespersen.
There are 34 teams taking part, with a group called Team Awesomeness Century Estates/Gates currently leading the scoreboard by raising $15,865. The local event is also supported by lead sponsor Armour Galvanizing Ltd.
