“The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is a winterrific family-friendly 2 or 5 km fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness,” according to the CNOY website. “Each year in February, tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $75,000,000 across Canada in 190 Canadian communities – 100% of net proceeds stay local to support our CNOY charity partners.”
The need is real. According to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), “Nearly 85,000 Ontarians experienced homelessness in 2025, up eight per cent from 2024. The figure also represents a 50 per cent increase since 2021. Homelessness continues to grow the fastest in rural and northern communities. Rural homelessness was up by more than 30 per cent last year.” As well, many thousands of Ontarians are struggling to put food on the table and to care for their families.
On Saturday, February 28, participants in this year’s CNOY event will gather at 4 p.m. at the Meaford Rotary Thrift Shop on Trowbridge Street. After checking in and a fun opening, participants will take a 2 or 5 km walk through Meaford, demonstrating that it is cold on the streets but that together we can make a difference in people’s lives. Afterwards, participants will be treated to a simple meal. Soup, provided by The Dam Pub and Jake’s, warm drinks from Believer Coffee, cookies from The Kitchen, and buns from Godard’s Independent Grocer will be served by Meaford Rotarians.
Funds raised through CNOY support services offered in Meaford through the United Way and Meaford Rotary House.
“Together, we raised $19,387 (gross) for community members who are struggling with food insecurity, low income, and homelessness. Here’s a few ways your support was distributed in Meaford last year: 15 homes received assistance through the Utility Assistance Program; 22 individuals received vital advice through the Financial Literacy Program; 249 needs were addressed by the 211 information and referral service, connecting people to support (for example: housing, income support, mental health, utility assistance); 37 local students started the school year with fully stocked backpacks through the Backpack Program. The 2025 event played a crucial role in helping Meaford residents overcome financial challenges and the hardships of poverty. In 2026, proceeds will once again benefit the Meaford Food Bank and Outreach, the Rotary Thrift Shop, and various outreach programs that provide essential mental health and physical support to the community’s most vulnerable individuals. This is in addition to the allocation of $7,000 to Meaford Rotary House to help sustain the building housing the Thrift Shop, the Foodbank, and the Outreach Room where Victim Services, Women’s Centre, Fran’s Footcare for the Elderly, and Beechwood Counselling operate rent free,” explained Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of United Way Bruce Grey, regarding the work subsidized in 2025 by CNOY.
Walkers are sponsored by pledges. Organizers have thus far raised 50% of their goal of $20,000. Please help us hit our target. Your contribution will have a real impact. Want to get involved? Learn more through their website https://en.cnoy.org/location/meaford or by contacting Meaford’s CNOY Coordinator and Rotarian Peggy McIntosh (pegshouse@gmail.com).
