It may not have been the coldest night of the year, but it wasn’t far off.

However, with windchills of -30C and below, it was enough to have Dauphin’s edition of the Coldest Night of the Year walk cancelled for this year.

So instead, participants gathered in the back hall of the Dauphin Friendship Center for a presentation and enjoyed chili and a bun. Participants are still encouraged to walk whenever they see fit and to post photos and videos online.

As of Saturday evening, the event raised $23,701 or 133 per cent of its $20,000 goal.

This year marks the first time in the event’s seven-year history in Dauphin that the fund-raising goal has been surpassed and donations will still be accepted until Mar. 31.

Proceeds are earmarked for the Food for Thought  program. Next year’s walk will be held, Feb. 24, 2024.