West Niagara
YWCA Niagara Region
41 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 YWCA Niagara Region
Why should people care? Because without the YW, countless women, children, and families in our community would face unimaginable uncertainty. Your support ensures they have a home, access to critical supports, and a safe place to stay connected to their community. Many of these families, often single moms, struggle to bridge the gap to afford market rent. Without us, where would they go? Your participation in CNOY is more than just a walk; it's a step towards changing lives and keeping hope alive. Let's show our community that with the YW, no one is left behind.
The YWCA Niagara Region is one of the largest providers of emergency shelter and transitional housing throughout the Niagara region. The YW touches the lives of over 1,400 people in need every single year.
YWCA Niagara Region’s transitional housing programs throughout West Niagara, providing affordable housing solutions to people who have become homeless or who are at risk of homelessness. The YW supports individuals in West Niagara by providing them with an affordable housing unit for up to three years. During that time, they are supported by a social worker, who helps them reach their goals and work their way towards financial stability.
Throughout the program over the last 10 years, we’ve been able to ensure more than 200 people have had a home during some of the worst times in their lives. Last year we helped ensure 34 people had a home. It means a mom and her children have a place to call home, have access to supports, and will be able to stay in their home community.
Want to know why we are walking? Read Toby's journey here: https://www.ywcaniagararegion.ca/client-journeys/meet-toby?fbclid=IwAR2538iVM9RxQQMkwPDt_l_0t_jdXkB3yTOzdEQsGNQmA12186UmkgF5-2c
Join the only Coldest Night of the Year event in West Niagara. Walk with us.
#WalkWithYW #WalkWithUs #CNOY25
West Niagara 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
West Niagara (YWCA Niagara Region) 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!
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!
West Niagara Maps
Check out this year's CNOY route maps below:
5 km Walk - Walk 2.5 km down Main Street then turn around
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 West Niagara 2026
The CNOY Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email westniagara@cnoy.org