Guelph
Hope House Guelph Community Food Centre
320 Walkers|69 Teams|57 Volunteers|18 Days Left
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness... because it’s cold out there. Join us on February 28, 2026 - across the country, close to home!
About Hope House Guelph Community Food Centre
At Hope House we know that poverty, food insecurity, and health are all interconnected. That is why Hope House serves vulnerable people in Guelph – the unhoused and housed, the employed and the unemployed, those suffering a new, bewildering setback and those dealing with chronic, more complicated issues of poverty.
Since 2012, Hope House has grown to become one of the largest food security organizations in Guelph, supporting over 6,100 vulnerable Guelphites to grow, succeed, and be healthy. Last year we distributed close to $900,000 of groceries and meals through nine food markets. In addition to food programs Hope House operates a clothing market, hair salon, tax clinic, therapeutic programs and acts as a community hub connecting individuals to the resources they need to thrive.
We are an independent, local charity that is entirely funded by our community. Your participation in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk helps fund critical poverty-relief services and will change lives.
Guelph Scoreboard
Are you thrashing the competition (for a good cause)? Find out here! Stats are updated every 15 minutes. See how you stack up on the national scoreboard >
Community Sponsors
Guelph (Hope House Guelph Community Food Centre) is super grateful for our fantastic 2026 sponsors! View all sponsors >
Top Challengers
Got a big-hearted business, workplace, group, church, or community? Step up and join the Challenge to compete for your local pride in support of CNOY. Check the National Challengeboard to see more!
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 28, 2026!
Start/Finish Google Map
2 km Route - 21 Meyer Drive, Guelph ON N1E 4H1 (John F Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute)
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5 km Route - 155 Paisley St, Guelph, ON N1H 2P3 (Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute)
2 km Route - Starting at John F Ross (https://maps.app.goo.gl/bD7XcraK1NSR4cWZ6)
This friendly 2 km walk is perfect for teams with children, seniors, or anyone looking for a shorter, leisurely experience (or it's just the time of day that work for your team!). It begins earlier to accommodate schedules and ensures everyone can join in the fun without any rush.
5 km Route - Starting at GCVI (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xe5mkJN9xTGJK5cQ7)
Designed for those who enjoy a longer trek, this 5 km route starts at our traditional 5pm time is perfect for experiencing our amazing community spirit with the extra distance.
Local Details
2 km Route - Starting at John F Ross
1:00 pm: Check-in opens at John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute, 21 Meyer Drive, Guelph. Entertainment for children will be provided to keep the little ones (and those young at heart) engaged. Please park in the Meyer Drive parking lot by the E.L. Fox Auditorium.
2:00 pm: Gathering for Opening Remarks
2:10 pm: Send-off on the 2 km route with a rest stop at Sutherland Insurance on Victoria Road. Afterward, return to John F Ross for light refreshments.
5 km Route - Starting at GCVI(https://maps.app.goo.gl/YjKxT7YHQiRTVQST6)
4:00 pm: Check-in opens at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute (GCVI), 155 Paisley St, Guelph. Activity rooms will be open to keep everyone entertained.
5:00 pm: Gather for Opening Remarks
5:10 pm: Send-off on the 5 km route with a rest stop at First Baptist Church on Woolwich Street. The walk will end at Hope House.
6:00 pm: Light meal served at Hope House
6:30 pm: Shuttle bus departs every 15 minutes to return you to GCVI, warm with our gratitude.
Schedule
2 km Schedule
- 1:00 pm: Meet Check-in at John F Ross
- 1:45 pm: Muster Gather for Opening Remarks
- 2:00 pm: Move Send-off
- 3:00 pm: Munch Light snack served
- 4:00 pm: Mosey Thank You! See you in 2027!
5 km Schedule
- 4:00 pm: Meet Check-in at GCVI
- 4:45 pm: Muster Gather for Opening Remarks
- 5:00 pm: Move Send-off
- 6:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 7:00 pm: Mosey Thank You! See you in 2027!
Not able to join us in person at the Main Event? We hope you'll register, fundraise and walk offsite with friends and family.
Route Details
- Route Distances: Check out the maps below to see where we will be walking.
- Rest stop: Keep an eye out for opportunities to rest and refresh with yummy snacks along the route.
- Signage: Routes will be well-signed with our bold blue CNOY signs.
- Route Support: Route marshals, rest stop hosts, and support vehicle drivers provide support along the route.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- No Pets: We love our little furballs like you do, but pets are not permitted at the Coldest Night of the Year except for approved and trained service animals. Read more about our pet policy >
Check-In
- All walkers participating at the Main Event on Saturday, February 28, 2026 must check-in upon arrival.
- Toques! Fundraising walkers who raise $150+ (or $75+ for those under 18) will receive a CNOY toque as a thank you on event day, while supplies last.
- Offsite fundraising walkers can contact their local event director to arrange toque pickup the week of the event.
Have questions? Visit the FAQ section!
Handling Money
- Credit Card: The Best Option! Simple, secure, automatically tax receipted for gifts of $20+. Visit the Donate page, share your personal page link, or have your donor call the CNOY Head Office.
- Cheques: The Old Faithful - made out to Coldest Night of the Year with your name on the Memo line. Mail them to CNOY Head Office along with your completed pledge form.
- Cash: You have 2 options:
- 1. Login to FundHub, click “Enter $$ and Cheques,” create pledges for your cash donations, pay them off with your personal credit card, and keep the cash. OR...
- 2. Write a cheque (made out to “Coldest Night of the Year”) for the total amount of cash you’ve collected. Mail it to the CNOY Head Office with your completed pledge sheet.
Waivers
All participants must register online and accept the electronic waiver.
- Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.
- Youth/Children under the age of majority need a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
- An online form will be emailed to all parents/guardians before CNOY Day.
- You may also bring a filled-out printed waiver.
- Waivers will also be available at check-in on CNOY Day.
What to Bring
A few common sense suggestions:
- A cell phone for emergencies (recommended but not required)
- Good waterproof shoes/boots for walking
- Warm coat and mitts/gloves
- Extra snacks if you have allergies or food sensitivities
- Your own water bottle
- A passion for the charity you're walking and fundraising for!
Guelph Maps
Check out this year's CNOY route maps below:
- Start at John F Ross Auditorium - Rest Stop at Sutherland Insurance - Finish at John F Ross School
Start at GCVI Auditorium - Rest Stop at First Baptist Church - Finish at Hope House Cork St. with shuttle bus following meal to GCVI
2025 CNOY Photos
Photo Credit: Adele Ashley Photography, Photographer Lisa/@photojlisa
Special thanks to our many amazing volunteer photographers!
Contact Us
CNOY Guelph 2026
The CNOY Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email guelph@cnoy.org