There’s no doubt … it’s cold out there.
United Way Bruce Grey is again inviting the community to lace up their boots and come together for the Coldest Night of the Year Walk, happening Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Grey Highlands, and Meaford. This national event, held in communities across Canada, raises critical funds to support people experiencing homelessness, hunger, and financial instability.
Last winter, Bruce Grey experienced the coldest Coldest Night of the Year on record. Despite extreme temperatures and last minute route changes, the community showed up. Walkers, volunteers, donors, and sponsors raised more than $131,000 dollars locally, proving that compassion does not freeze when conditions get tough.
Coldest Night of the Executive Director for United Way Bruce Grey, Francesca Dobbyn said, “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.”
Details and Locations:
Saugeen Shores
· Start Location: Lakeshore Recreation (1177 Goderich St, Port Elgin, ON)
· Time: 4:30 p.m.
· 2025 Results: $60,374 (gross)
· 2026 Goal: $60,000
· Supporting Organization: Southampton Rotary Club · Sign Up: cnoy.org/location/saugeenshores
Kincardine
· Start Location: Kincardine Legion (219 Lambton St.)
· Time: 4:30 p.m.
· 2025 Results: 37,319 raised (gross)
· 2026 Goal: $40,000
· Supporting Initiative: Kincardine Good Food Box · Sign Up: cnoy.org/location/kincardine
Grey Highlands
· Start Location: South East Grey Community Health Centre (55 Victoria Ave, Markdale)
· Time: 4:30 p.m.
· 2025 Results: $14,415 raised (gross)
· 2026 Goal: $20,000
· Supporting Organization: SEGCHC (South East Grey Community Health Centre) · Sign Up: cnoy.org/location/greyhighlands
Meaford
· Start Location: The Rotary House (34 Trowbridge St W, Meaford)
· Time: 4:30 p.m.
· 2025 Results: $19,387 raised (gross)
· 2026 Goal: $20,000
· Supporting Organization: Meaford Rotary Club · Sign Up: cnoy.org/location/meaford
Why We Walk
Funds raised through Coldest Night of the Year stay local and are distributed by United Way Bruce Grey to support region wide programs and trusted community partners. These funds help prevent heat and hydro disconnections, improve access to food, connect people to housing and mental health supports, provide emergency outreach, and ensure children have what they need to succeed at school.
How to Participate
Community members can register as walkers, start a team, volunteer, or become a sponsor. Participants can choose between a 2km or 5km walk and fundraise in support of neighbours across Bruce and Grey Counties.
TOQUE BONUS: Fundraisers who raise $75 for youth or $150 for adults will receive the iconic Coldest Night of the Year toque as a thank you.
For full event details and registration, visit www.cnoy.org.
