An organization which gives vulnerable young people a hand up is preparing for one of its major fundraisers.

Volunteers for over a dozen years now have put themselves in the footsteps of those who may not have a warm, safe place to stay with its “Coldest Night of the Year” event in downtown St. John’s.

Katie Keats of Choices for Youth says the walk, about 2 1/2 km from Atlantic Place, draws about thirty teams of supporters to raise money through a donation system.

This year’s event takes place at the end of next month.

“They lace up their boots and regardless of what the weather is that day, February 28, hundreds of people will walk through downtown and advocate for those who are hurting, hungry and homeless,” says Keats.