About Open Arms
Open Arms is a gift from the community to the community as most of our programming costs are covered by private donations, supporting businesses, churches and fundraising. Our network of volunteers from churches and the community at large work to provide food, shelter, housing and much more for men, women, youth and families in crisis.
Open Arms serves both as a community for people with long term challenges and a bridge for those seeking to establish healthy independence. By assisting people with basic needs along with offering guidance toward the tools and resources they need, we regularly witness the power of God's love at work restoring hope, dignity and purpose to those who were formerly without hope.
Approximately 2000 meals are provided monthly at our Kentville location which also has nine shelter beds. We also provide furniture, housewares, cooking needs, clothing and other necessities to those in need. The benefits of Open Arms are essential and far reaching throughout the Annapolis Valley and beyond.
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 25, 2023!
Centre Square
389 Main St, Kentville, NS B4N 1K7
Start at Centre Square
Head out to Main Street, turn right and using the sidewalk walk to Kings County Academy (KCA). Turn and walk back looping the one-way block (Cornwallis/Webster/Aberdeen/Main) and return to Centre Square for something warm to eat and drink.
Schedule
- 4:00 pm: Meet Check-in opens
- 5:00 pm: Move Opening remarks + send-off
- 6:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 7:00 pm: Mosey Goodbye + Go Home
Not able to join us in person on CNOY Day? We hope you'll register to 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: All 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.
- 12 and under walkers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- 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 here: FAQ: pets.
Check-In
- All walkers must check-in personally to participate in the in-person event on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
- 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.
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 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 sheet.
- 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: When you register online, you automatically accept an electronic waiver, which is all that is needed for adults.
- Youth/Children: If you have youth or children on your team, they will need to have their parent or guardian sign a printed paper waiver.
- Someone on your team (like you!) must take a photo of all child/youth waivers and send them to waivers@cnoy.org.
- Waivers will be available at check-in on Event 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
- A passion for the charity you're walking and fundraising for!