On Saturday, February 24, Albertans will be stepping outside into the brisk air and lit streets for the annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraiser. This event is celebrated in 120 communities across Canada where hundreds of groups, families, and individuals walk to raise awareness and funds for the hungry, homeless, and hurting in our country.
CNOY has raised over $16,500,000 and donated over 74% to charity partners since its first walk in 2011. In Alberta alone, CNOY has helped thousands of people living on the margins by partnering with organizations like Bissell Centre, Feed the Hungry and The Mustard Seed Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer.
For CNOY ‘18, The Mustard Seed will be walking in all three of our Alberta locations, and we’re looking for team captains – champions of our cause – to take the lead in making positive changes in our communities.
“The only way we can do what we’ve been called to do is by mobilizing the whole community,” explains Byron Bradley, Managing Director for Central Alberta. “The struggles involved in homelessness and poverty are in the community, and so are the solutions.”
This year, we’re excited for our Calgary route to take place in the community of Marlborough Park, to celebrate the opening of our new Neighbour Centre. As well, Edmonton’s walk will go through the Old Strathcona area to highlight its Neighbour Centre’s new, soon-to-open location.
The Mustard Seed Neighbour Centres provide a greater sense of community and wellbeing through awareness and education about The Mustard Seed’s programs and services, and through supporting new and existing community initiatives.
Calgary East
Fundraising goal
$40,000 to fund food, shelter,housing, employment supports, as well as health and wellness services.
Red Deer
Fundraising Goal
$25,000 for our School Lunch Program, which provides nutritious
lunches to more than 53,000 children in 31 schools across Red Deer.
Edmonton South
Fundraising Goal
$30,000 to fund the new Family Health Centre in the Queen Mary Park area.
Details for all three locations
• Choose from 2 km walk, 5km walk or 10 km walk.
• Rest stops will be available on all routes.
• Maps will be available at the welcome desk. All routes will be well signed.
• Marshals, rest stop attendants and sweep vehicle drivers will be available along the route.
• All walkers ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
• Between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. a warm, light meal will be served to all walkers and volunteers.
What to bring
• Walking, waterproof shoes/boots
• Warm coat and gloves
• Signed waiver form
• Cash or cheques (made out to “Coldest Night of the Year”)
• Completed pledge form (or “My Results Form”) to match cash or cheques
“Its an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage the public to consider that there is a large population in all our communities that have to do it every day, wearing less than adequate clothing and shoes,” says Bill Nixon, Director of Programming.
Come join us in experiencing a small part of what our guests endure every day. Gather your friends and family, form a team and take a step toward positive changes in our community!
First 200 walkers to raise $500 will receive a CNOY Tumbler!
