Coldest Night of the Year team captains meet for official launch event

Annual fundraising walk is on February 25

By Zachary Roman

Fundraising efforts are heating up for the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk in support of those experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.

Caledon Community Services (CCS) will host the CNOY walk on February 25, and on February 1, team captains and supporters participating in the walk met at The Exchange in Bolton for a launch party.

Mariia Kupriianova, Chief Development Officer of Caledon Community Services (CCS), said it was the first time CCS hosted a launch event for the walk.

“It was a small informal community gathering,” said Kupriianova. “Some of our team captains shared their own inspirational stories of why they're joining Coldest Night of the Year.”

Some team captains were visiting The Exchange, a hub for community, as well as social and food support in Caledon, for the first time. Kupriianova said it was a great opportunity for these captains to see firsthand the work they would be supporting in their fundraising efforts.

“We're very happy to welcome those newer community members,” said Kupriianova. “They've just moved to Caledon and (CNOY) is how they are engaging in the community.”

As the February 25 walk approaches, Kupriianova is getting more and more excited for the CNOY walk. She said it's important to note there's still time for people to start a team, join a team, or donate to a team in this year's walk.

While fundraising has been going great so far, CCS is still short of its $100,000 goal by around $56,000 dollars. Kupriianova said CCS is so grateful for its sponsors, noting the Bill Parnaby Team is the lead sponsor for the 2023 walk. 

As of February 8, the Caledon Firefighters team was on top of the CNOY fundraising leaderboards with over $4,200 raised.

There are several teams hot on their tails, including the CCS team of which Kupriianova is leader.

The Terra Cotta Walkers, Mars Canada, and Christ Church Bolton round out the current top five.

“Besides the great cause it serves, Coldest Night of the Year is also a celebration of the togetherness of our community,” said Kupriianova.

Those interested in getting involved in this year's walk, or donating to an individual or team, can visit the following website: cnoy.org/location/caledon

On February 25, registration opens for the walk at 4 p.m. at the Caledon East Community Complex. Before the walkers leave at 5 p.m. Mayor Annette Groves will deliver opening remarks. After the walk is complete, there will be a light meal and hot drinks served back in Caledon East.