News
Area students get cold for a good cause
Scott Wagar
11/15/2011
A number of Bottineau High School students participated in its annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” on Thursday to raise awareness of the homeless in our local area and throughout the nation and world.
“The kids had a great time again this year,” said Carrie Cote, director of Bottineau’s Freezin’ for a Reason. “And, they did a great job informing the local community in how serious homelessness really is.”
Freezin’ for a Reason is an event were individuals stand out in the cold and get uncomfortable in below freezing weather to experience what it is like to be homeless in North Dakota. As they stand out in the cold, they raise money and food for the homeless by asking for monitary donations and collecting food on the streets.
On Thursday, Cote and seven students from Bottineau High School spent time on the cold sidewalk outside of the First Lutheran Church where they campaigned for the homeless and raised $1,450 and collected 150 pounds of food.
The organization receiving the money the students collected will go to the Minot Area Homeless Coalition and Bottineau County Veteran and Family Support group.
“The Homeless Coalition has been assisting people in Bottineau for many years, and can help with just about any situation. When I worked in community resource I talked to the staff of the Minot Area Homeless Coalition on a weekly basis. They are an agency I could always count on for assistance and advice. They not only assist with emergency situations, but also have donated backpacks, school supplies and Christmas gifts to Bottineau County for the last four years. The money donated to Minot Area Homeless Coalition was taken directly to Minot after the event, so they would receive matching dollars from the St. Joseph’s Foundation,” Cote said. “Bottineau County Veteran and Family Support group was established less than a year ago with the focus of assisting veterans and families, and educating the community regarding some of the obstacles soldiers face when they come home from serving. They have brought in trainers from the Fargo’s VA, Army OneSource, Military Family Life Consultants, and Military Outreach Specialists to speak on issues such as PTSD /combat stress and services offered to soldiers and their families. Bottineau County Veteran and Family Support group held the first Veteran Stand Down in north central North Dakota, developed an emergency call list for veterans and families, and formed a support groups for veterans. The Steven Knudson Memorial Fund was also created. The purpose of this fund is to offer emergency assistance and travel to Veteran hospitals and clinics and to bring speakers to this area to help train our community on veteran issues.”
Cote added that the County Veteran and Family Support group was chosen for a gift donation this year because the event also took place during the week of Veteran’s Day. “We all have a family member or friend who has served or is currently active in the military and our service men and women deserve only the best,” she said.
Cote stated that she is pleased with how the event went and is thankful for the number of people and organization who assisted in making the charitable project so successful.
“The kids did a remarkable job this year. They look forward to this event every year because they feel they can help make a difference. They put a huge amount of time and energy into this event and really appreciate the communities’ involvement with the event,” Cote said. “We would like to thank Subway and Laurie Law for donating lunch, the First Lutheran Church for the location, Bergman Agency for the boxes and the community for the support.”
Individuals who participated in the 2011 Freezin’ for a Reason include Katey Walden, Victoria Pedie, Samantha Pedie, Aaron Cote, Nate Ofstedal, Jayde Lavendure, Cameron Kienz and Dillon McGraff. Cote and Bambi Thompson were the student advisors for the event.