Home »
Miracle on Baker Street to help homeless
On December 11, 20 influential community leaders and Cranbrook business owners will strip down to their Christmas undies and brave the cold to raise $20,000 in support of the Salvation Army’s efforts to build a 24/7 shelter in Cranbrook for homeless men, women, and families throughout the East Kootenay.
In order to keep the icicles from forming on their vulnerable bodies, the participants will need to donate money every half hour to gain access to entertaining ‘warm-up’ activities, sponsored by a local business. Meanwhile, donations will be collected from the public to meet an hourly fundraising goal, which if achieved, will keep the participants exposed to the elements and donating another additional hour.
The event, Miracle on Baker Street, takes place noon to 4 p.m. on Baker Street in front of the Bedroom Furniture Galleries, downtown Cranbrook. It is presented by B-104 Total Country and The Drive FM in association with e-KNOW.
Leo Baggio, general manager of B-104 Total Country and The Drive FM, said Miracle on Baker Street is a spirited event that will bring a lot of laughs, camaraderie, and a few surprises.
“We have convinced a group of well-known and professional men to strip down to their underwear in what could be sub-zero temperatures while we throw a twist at them every half hour, all in the name of charity – it’s going to be, quite simply, awesome,” said Baggio. “Jim Pattison Broadcast Group and its staff have deep roots in our community and we are passionate about contributing to causes that are important to the people that live here. We are honoured to have supported local business and non-profit organizations throughout 2015 in achieving their philanthropic goals, and humbled by the encouragement and enthusiasm we have received from our partners in support of Miracle on Baker Street.”
E-KNOW publisher Carrie Schafer said she immediately leaped at the chance to help promote the event, noting the importance of the charity in focus.
“We hope that between the radio station and e-KNOW we can get the word out to inspire people to get involved and dig down to help establish a service that not just this city, but this region, really needs,” she said.
One of these participants stripping down in the name of charity is Derek Korstchaga, Cranbrook’s Citizen of the Year. Kortschaga chose to participate because he recognizes the importance of supporting vulnerable populations in our community that can often be overlooked.
“Our homeless are an invisible minority in our community,” said Kortschaga. “They can be right in front of us yet unseen. This event will help draw attention to their plight and the efforts being made to help by our Salvation Army. I am honoured to stand up with our business community in the battle against homelessness, and thankful that our community is prepared to raise awareness about the issue.”
The Salvation Army in Cranbrook provided over 990 extreme weather shelter night stays (beds) in Cranbrook last winter. To date, the community has raised more than $346,000 for the homeless shelter project, with an additional $260,000 commitment from the Regional District of East Kootenay for soft costs to be allocated over a two-year period. The Cranbrook and District Community Foundation is administering funds for the project and actively engaged in the fundraising efforts.
“Homelessness is a significant issue in our community and the construction of a shelter has been a top priority for the Salvation Army in Cranbrook over the last few years,” said Major Kirk Green, Salvation Army. “It is great to see the business community stepping up in support of the cause in such a fun, high-profile and innovative way. I think it will be a fantastic event, and the Salvation Army is appreciative for what has been and continues to be an incredible amount of support from the community for the shelter project.”
The event received its green light last night (Nov. 16) when City of Cranbrook council unanimously agreed to close Baker Street between 8th and 9th Avenues for four hours on Dec. 11. The city will also provide the necessary barriers for the event.
The event is the brainchild of city Councillor Danielle Cardozo, a B104/The Drive employee, who had to excuse herself from the vote as the application for the street closure was in her name.
After the vote she told council she is hopeful that more than 20 participants will come forward for the event, noting she is working on Mayor Lee Pratt and, as the City of Kimberley would also benefit from the homeless shelter, she said she is working on landing Mayor Don McCormick to take part as well.
“It’s going to be a fun event,” she said.
Participants include:
1. Derek Kortschaga, B104
2. Leo Baggio, B104/The Drive
3. Jason Wheeldon, EK Realty
4. Isaac Hockley, EK Realty/ Cranbrook City Council
5. Joey Hoeschmann, The Bedroom Furniture Galleries
6. Chris Thom, Rocky Mountain Diesel
7. Steve Mercandelli, Dodge
8. Jason de Rijk, Sidekick Stickers
9. Mike Adams, Taylor Adams
10. David D. Hull, Chamber of Commerce
11. Dean Kroeker, Proteck
12. Clint Eaton, Cranbrook Flooring
13. Gord Wilkins, Denham Ford
14. AJ Wheaton, Mister Tire
15. Mark Salvador, Sandor Rentals
16. Pete Davis, Subaru of Cranbrook
17. Corey Spring, Spring Honda
18. Mark Dickson, SunLife Financial
19. Kenny Bridge, Bridge Interiors
20. Jesse Roberts, Arby’s
For more information visit HERE.
e-KNOW
