Annapolis Valley
Open Arms
24 Walkers|10 Teams|86 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 Open Arms
🌟 What We Do
Open Arms delivers a holistic and integrated range of services to support individuals experiencing—or at risk of—homelessness in achieving independence and long-term housing stability. Our approach includes:
Comprehensive Support Services: We offer outreach, shelter, and housing assistance tailored to meet immediate needs and foster sustainable outcomes.
Proactive Engagement: Our team builds trust with unsheltered individuals by providing compassionate, low-barrier crisis services and shelter environments.
Pathways to Stability: We empower clients to identify and secure appropriate housing while connecting them to skill-building and personal development resources.
Systemic Advocacy: We champion systemic change through community partnerships, advocacy for unhoused individuals, and the development of affordable housing initiatives.
🤝 Outreach
We initiate meaningful connections with individuals living unsheltered, offering them a safe and welcoming space to begin their journey toward stability.
Open Arms’ outreach efforts are rooted in compassion and direct engagement. Our team actively reaches into communities to build trust with those experiencing homelessness. We also provide in-reach services—place-based support options where individuals can access resources at designated locations.
🛏️ Shelter Services
We provide immediate, housing-focused support during times of crisis, ensuring individuals have a safe and dignified environment to begin rebuilding their lives.
Our shelter services offer essential resources such as food, safety, and basic necessities. These low-barrier environments are designed to restore dignity and serve as a foundation for long-term transformation.
🏠 Housing Supports
We guide clients in identifying and securing housing solutions that align with their needs and preferences.
Our housing support services equip individuals with the tools and guidance necessary for independent living. By fostering personal growth and housing stability, we help clients build a sustainable future.
🌍 Community Collaboration
We strengthen community ties and drive systemic change through education, partnerships, and advocacy.
Open Arms actively engages with local organizations and stakeholders to promote awareness, prevent homelessness, and implement initiatives that benefit the entire community.
Annapolis Valley 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 >
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!
Schedule
- 4:00 pm: Meet Check-in
- 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!
2025 CNOY Photos
Here's a collection of our favorite photos from CNOY 2025. Special thanks to our many amazing volunteer photographers!
Contact Us
CNOY Annapolis Valley 2026
The CNOY Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email annapolisvalley@cnoy.org