Coldest Night of the Year events are set to return to Bruce, Grey, Huron, and Perth counties later this winter, bringing residents together for an evening walk in support of people facing homelessness, hunger, and financial instability.
United Way Bruce Grey is once again encouraging community members to bundle up and take part in the national fundraising event, which will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Locally, walks are planned in Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Grey Highlands, Meaford, Exeter, Goderich, Listowel, St. Marys, Stratford, and Wingham, joining dozens of other communities across Canada that take part each year.
"The whole intent is for people to understand, be outside, and feel what it is to be slightly unhoused, and how cold it is in February," said Francesca Dobbyn, the Executive Director of United Way Bruce Grey. "And help raise money for various Community efforts that are addressing homelessness, hunger, and other issues in our community."
The event comes after an especially memorable year in the region. Last winter marked the coldest Coldest Night of the Year on record in Bruce Grey. Despite extreme weather conditions and last-minute route adjustments, walkers, volunteers, donors, and sponsors still turned out in strong numbers, raising more than $131,000 locally.
“It is about showing people facing hard moments that they are not invisible and they are not alone. What we saw last year was powerful, and it is exactly why this walk matters,” said Dobbyn.
Dobbyn explained that their are no homeless shelters open yet in Grey Bruce, and there are no enough places for homeless people to escape the cold.
"In Bruce Grey, we don't actually have a shelter. One is a currently in development, but it's not open. Our two counties use a motel system and we shut a lot of those motel rooms down in the summer," Dobbyn continued. "But we do not have enough space for all the people that are experiencing homelessness. We have a warming Center here in Owen Sound, which is where the overflow goes, but they can only have 20 people in overnight."
Each of the host communities will see walkers gather at 4:30 p.m. Saugeen Shores participants will start from the Lakeshore Recreation Centre in Port Elgin, with fundraising efforts supporting the Southampton Rotary Club. The local goal for 2026 is set at $60,000, matching last year’s total of just over $60,000 raised.
In Kincardine, the walk will begin at the Kincardine Legion on Lambton Street, raising money in support of the Kincardine Good Food Box. Organizers are aiming to build on the more than $37,000 raised last year, with a new goal of $40,000.
Grey Highlands walkers will gather at the South East Grey Community Health Centre in Markdale. After raising more than $14,000 in 2025, the community is hoping to reach $20,000 this year, with funds supporting programs at the health centre.
In Meaford, participants will set out from the Rotary House on Trowbridge Street West. The Meaford walk raised nearly $19,400 last year and is targeting $20,000 in 2026, with the Meaford Rotary Club among the supporting organizations.
The walk in Exeter will begin at Exeter Christian Reformed Church on Huron Street West, the one in Goderich will start at 56 Kingston St., walkers in Wingham will begin at Maitland River Community Church on Josephine St., the Listowel walk will start at 280 Wallace Ave. South, Stratford's begins at Lower Queen's Park, and walkers in St. Marys will gather at the Pyramid Recreation Centre.
Funds raised through Coldest Night of the Year remain in the community and are distributed by United Way Bruce Grey to support programs and trusted local partners throughout the region. The money helps prevent heat and hydro disconnections, improve access to food, connect people with housing and mental health services, provide emergency outreach, and ensure children have the supports they need to succeed at school.
Residents can get involved by registering as walkers, forming teams, volunteering, or becoming sponsors. Participants can choose between a two- or five-kilometre route while fundraising in support of neighbours across Bruce and Grey counties.
As an added incentive, youth who raise $75 and adults who raise $150 will receive the signature Coldest Night of the Year toque. More information and registration details are available at cnoy.org.
