St. Vincent Place Sets Ambitious $125,000 Goal for Coldest Night

St. Vincent Place has announced a fundraising goal of $125,000 for its upcoming Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event, scheduled for February 28, 2026, in Sault Ste. Marie. This annual event aims to support individuals facing hunger, hurt, and homelessness in the community. Participants can choose from two walking routes: 2 km or 5 km.

Community Involvement and Fundraising Efforts

The Coldest Night of the Year invites residents to bundle up in their hats and scarves and join forces to raise funds for St. Vincent Place’s various programs. These include a food bank, a soup kitchen, the Lunches for Learning initiative, and a transitional residence. With the support of 300 walkers and 40 teams, including staff and friends of St. Vincent Place, the organization hopes to exceed its fundraising target.

Participants can enjoy warm drinks at designated rest stops along the route, which will provide a much-needed respite from the winter chill. At the finish line, walkers will celebrate their collective efforts and the impact their contributions will have on the community. Those who raise over $150, or $75 for youth, will receive a distinctive CNOY toque, a symbol of their commitment to the cause.

Building on Previous Success

This year marks the 14th consecutive participation of St. Vincent Place in the Coldest Night of the Year. Last year’s event exceeded expectations by surpassing a goal of $100,000. The funds raised will provide essential support during a season that historically sees lower levels of charitable giving.

With events occurring in over 200 cities, towns, and communities across Canada, CNOY serves as a platform for tens of thousands of Canadians to better understand the challenges faced by those living on the streets during a harsh winter. St. Vincent Place has been serving the Sault Ste. Marie community for over 20 years, and the funds raised will directly benefit individuals in need.

Interested participants can register online at cnoy.org/saultstemarie to join in this important initiative. With community support, St. Vincent Place aims to make a significant impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness and hunger in the region.