About Why Not City Mission
What if we could prevent homelessness before people are actually on the streets? Good news! That's our goal.
At Why Not City Missions, we work with high-risk youth and work to stabilize their lives and build their skills so they never have to live in a tent by the creek. We meet them in our youth drop-in centre and come alongside them, with our goal to Empower Youth Through Relationship.
In 2021 we also started tackling the issue of youth homelessness directly by launching Why Not Youth Housing and opening our first house for young men, Charlie’s Place. In 2022, we purchased and opened SHYP, Supportive Housing for Young Parents where our goal is to keep young families together by providing wrap-around supports from the start.
Our expenses have climbed as we have gone from supporting the youth centre to adding on the operation of two houses for previously homeless youth. Therefore, we have raised our goal for this event to $60,000! A fundraiser like this makes a huge difference toward our ability to do this important work.
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 25, 2023!
305 West St, Brantford, ON N3R 3V6
We are meeting at Yes Church! Come in the back doors off the parking lot!
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 + see you in 2024!
Not able to join us in person on CNOY Day? We hope you'll 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.
- 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 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 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: 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 under the age of 18 on your team, they will need to submit a waiver from their parent or guardian.
- An online form will be emailed to all parents/guardians in advance of CNOY Day
- 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
- A passion for the charity you're walking and fundraising for!