HARRISTON – On Feb. 22 communities across Canada will participate in the “Coldest Night of the Year” (CNOY) to raise funds for local charities.
The nationwide event is a family-friendly winter walk to support charities that reduce hunger, hurt and homelessness.
For the first time the CNOY will be hosted in Minto, with funds aiding the work of the Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington.
“Our goal is to raise $20,000 because it’s our first year; that’s the goal we have set for ourselves,” centre coordinator Ali Kane-DeCaire told the Advertiser.
The walk is scheduled to begin at 4pm with the start and finish line at the Harriston Arena at 111 George St. S.
Once participants have finished the 2km or 5km walk, they can enjoy a free meal at the arena.
Resource centre staff decided to bring the winter event to Minto because of the town’s “great, strong sense of community,” said Kane-DeCaire.
She hopes to have at least 100 walkers or 20 teams involved to reach the goal. As of Jan. 6, 35 walkers and 12 teams have signed up with a total of $1,750 raised.
Anyone can attend the event as long as a waiver has been signed upon online registration. A filled-out printed waiver will also be accepted on walk day.
“People can sign up as a team captain or as a walker on a team that is already signed up and what they do is invite their friends, family [and] coworkers to raise money for their team,” Kane-DeCaire explained.
Programs
The Community Resource Centre focuses on supporting low-income individuals in Centre Wellington, Wellington North, Minto and Mapleton. Its programs include:
- financial assistance;
- information and referrals;
- transportation;
- government advocacy and information; and
- homelessness support.
“We have community outreach workers who help find resources for appropriate and affordable housing and if necessary they can help with emergency housing temporarily,” Kane-DeCaire explained.
“We also work to prevent rural families and individuals from being displaced and to remain in the county and close to the support systems they are used to.”
CNOY funds will also aid the centre’s food programs, such as summer snacks, which provides “at least 350 children in the county” with food, fresh produce and gift cards during their summer break.
CNOY history
The idea behind CNOY is to get thousands of Canadians outside “of the warmth and comfort of home and shine a light of welcome and inclusion,” stated officials.
“I’ll definitely be participating, I’ve got my friends and family on board,” Kane-DeCaire said.
The event began in 2011 with two locations supported by three charitable partners, including Yonge Street Mission, Sanctuary Ministries in Toronto and Ray of Hope Community Centre in Kitchener/Waterloo.
The first year made over $111,000 with 440 participants, but in 2023 the fundraiser reached 182 locations with 37,000 participants and raised $13 million.
“We’re really looking forward to it … it allows us to raise money for the programs that are needed but also doing it in a fun and exciting way,” said Kane-DeCaire.
She thanked early sponsors 88.7 The River in Mount Forest and Minto Auto Centre.
As for the walk, CNOY officials encourage participants to wear appropriate walking gear to tackle the cold weather and to bring well as snacks and a water bottle.
For more information about the Minto event or to register visit cnoy.org/location/minto.
