Approximately 40,448 Canadians participated in the 2026 Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event, supported by 7,184 volunteers and over 137,000 donors. The 2026 edition of CNOY raised over $15.4 million.

The Coldest Night of the Year is a fun, family-friendly winter walk where people across Canada walk 2 or 5 km to raise money for local charities that help those facing hunger, homelessness, and hardship. Every February, thousands of Canadians take part by stepping out into the cold to show care and support for people in their communities. Since it began in 2011, the event has raised more than $75 million across 190 communities in Canada.

The Coldest Night of the Year event is simple and open to everyone. This year, participants from many communities across Canada joined the main in-person event on February 28, 2026, to walk 2 km or 5 km on a marked route with friends and other participants.

The money raised through the event is shared with local partner charities, which provide food, safe shelter, counselling, and support to people in need. Every step taken during the walk helps bring someone closer to safety, health, and a place to call home.

Source: Coldest Night of the Year Canada