United Way Perth-Huron is encouraging residents to bundle up and raise money for the Coldest Night of the Year events in Stratford, St. Marys, Listowel, Goderich, Exeter and (new for this year) Wingham. Coldest Night is a family-friendly winter fundraising event for local individuals experiencing homelessness, hunger and hurt.

This year’s walks include a COVID-safe, outdoor event on Saturday, February 26, 2022 and a virtual option to walk any time, any distance during the month of February. Participants raising over $150 — $75 for youth under 18— receive a CNOY toque. To register as an individual or team, visit cnoy.org.

In Stratford: Walkers will walk in support of United Way’s work on the new Stratford Connection Centre. The connection centre will provide a safe place for vulnerable people, including access to basic needs, social ties and connections with allies and supports. Funds raised during Coldest Night also allow Shelterlink to continue supporting vulnerable local youth through their programs and services. The in-person walk opening ceremonies begin at 4:30 p.m. and the walk starts at 5 p.m. with a route around the Avon River. Walkers can choose to complete one or two circuits around the river.

In St. Marys: Community members will walk in support of the St. Marys Community Developer and Support Worker (CDSW) as well as the NOURISH Equal Access Food Market. The CDSW works to support residents in need, particularly those living in and around social housing, understand their challenges and connect people with services. NOURISH offers fresh, nutritious, locally sourced produce and meats to residents facing food insecurity every day. The in-person walk begins at the Pyramid Recreation Centre at 3:30 p.m 

In Listowel: Walkers will be walking in support of the North Perth Connection Centre (Hope Links). Hope Links will allow people to access multiple services in a supportive and welcoming environment, eat nutritious food and connect socially and emotionally. CNOY 2022 also supports counselling for youth at risk, counselling and supports for children who have witnessed domestic violence and shelter and programming for homeless youth.

In Goderich: Walkers will brave the chilly temperatures in support of the Huron Homelessness Initiative. The initiative includes programs such as the Huron supportive housing worker, shelter for women, children and youth and temporary emergency shelter during the cold months. The in-person walk begins at 5 p.m. and features a two or five kilometre circuit around Courthouse Square.

In Exeter: Walkers will walk in support of the South Huron Connection Centre in Exeter and the Huron Homelessness Initiative. The South Huron Connection Centre offers basic needs such as light meals, a shower, washroom and laundry facilities and support through partnerships with numerous agencies. The Huron Homelessness Initiative in Exeter includes programs such as the Huron supportive housing worker, Huron Turning Point transition home for men, shelter for women, children and youth and temporary emergency shelter. The in-person walk begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Exeter Christian Reformed Church and follows a two or five kilometre route finishing back at the church.

In Wingham: Walkers will walk in support of a planned Northern Huron Connection Centre. The connection centre will be a welcoming place offering basic needs such as light meals, a shower, washroom facilities and laundry along with support through partnerships with numerous agencies. The in-person walk begins with registration at 3:30 and features a two or five kilometre option. Starting location and route will be announced at a later date.

Last year’s all-virtual CNOY raised $361,538 during the month of February thanks to the efforts of 991 walkers, 194 teams and 5,095 donors across Perth-Huron.