​Coldest Night of the Year returns to Bruce-Grey, Feb. 28

It’s cold out there.

The United Way Bruce Grey is inviting members of the community to lace up their boots and join the Coldest Night of the Year Walk, happening Saturday, Feb. 28, in Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, 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 locally, proving that compassion does not freeze when conditions get tough.

“It is about showing people facing hard moments that they are not invisible and they are not alone," says Francesca Dobbyn, executive director of the United Way of Bruce Grey. "What we saw last year was powerful, and it is exactly why this walk matters.”

KINCARDINE WALK
 

• Start location: Kincardine Legion (219 Lambton Street, Kincardine)
• Time: 4:30 p.m.
• 2025 results: 37,319 raised (gross)
• 2026 goal: $40,000
• Supporting initiative: Kincardine Good Food Box Neighbour-to-Neighbour
• Sign Up: cnoy.org/location/kincardine

SAUGEEN SHORES WALK
 

• Start location: Lakeshore Recreation (1177 Goderich Street, Port Elgin)
• 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

Walks are also being held in Grey Highlands and Meaford.

Funds raised through the Coldest Night of the Year stay local and are distributed by United Way of 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.

Community members can register as walkers, start a team, volunteer, or become a sponsor. Participants can choose between a two-kilometre or five-kilometre walk and fund-raise in support of neighbours across Bruce and Grey counties.

TOQUE BONUS

Participants 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.

The United Way of Bruce Grey works alongside local partners to address urgent needs and create long-term change across the region. Through community-driven programs and collaboration, the United Way helps improve lives and strengthen communities.