$59,54032%Goal:
$185,000
Stratford
Hosted by Stratford Connection Centre and Stratford/Perth Shelter Link
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Join us on February 25, 2023 - team up, fundraise, walk, and gather for good... because it’s cold out there.
Community Sponsors
Stratford (Stratford Connection Centre & Stratford/Perth Shelter Link) is super grateful for our fantastic 2023 sponsors! View all sponsors >
Stratford 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 >
The Challenge
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!
About Stratford Connection Centre
United Way Perth-Huron and Stratford/Perth Shelterlink invites you to join us to walk in support of local individuals experiencing homelessness, hurt and hunger in the Stratford and area community.
Walk to support the United Way Stratford Connection Centre, a place for those experiencing homelessness—or those at risk of becoming homeless—to go to connect with services, shower, do laundry and have a meal. Since opening in December 2021 there have been 323 clients who have visited over 1,300 times.
Together, we can build a brighter future for more local people.
About Stratford/Perth Shelter Link
Walk to support Shelterlink's Living Options for Youth. Our mission is to assist homeless youth and those at-risk of becoming homeless. We do more than just assist in finding them a warm safe bed — we are actively working with youth to assist them in their pursuits, through education and skills development supports. Last year, 63 youth accessed shelter and a fresh start.
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 25, 2023!
StartGoogle Map
Upper Queens Park Stratford
We will gather at the bandshell. We'll have music and hot chocolate!
You may visit the Alman Arena enroute (free) if you need to use the washroom.
Washrooms at Upper Queens will be closed, (i.e. Winterized).
P.S. We have a Stratford Coldest Night of Year Facebook group, you're invited to join and share your photos! https://www.facebook.com/groups/stratfordcnoy
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
- Your own water bottle
- A passion for the charity you're walking and fundraising for!
Stratford Maps
Check out this year's CNOY route maps below:
Starting at Upper Queens band shell. Walkers can choose one or two laps around the river.
2022 CNOY Photos
Here's a collection of our favourite photos from CNOY 2022 nationwide - special thanks to our many volunteer photographers who sent them in!
Contact Us
CNOY Stratford 2023
Sonya Event Director
Phone 519.271.7730
Email sheyen@perthhuron.unitedway.ca