Stratford
Stratford Connection Centre & Shelterlink Youth Services
91 Walkers|21 Teams|63 Days Left
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness... because it’s cold out there. Join us on February 28, 2026 - across the country, close to home!
About Shelterlink Youth Services
Shelterlink Youth Services mission is to support youth experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, through prevention, advocacy, shelter, and community connection services. We have 15 short-term emergency beds, but our services extend far beyond simply providing shelter for youth. We focus on prevention and diversion strategies to assist at-risk individuals before they even enter our facility. Additionally, we offer ongoing support to youth after they leave the shelter, ensuring they have the resources and guidance they need to thrive.
Join us on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 for the Coldest Night of the Year and fundraise to help support Shelterlink's emergency shelter and outreach programs serving youth in Perth.
About Stratford Connection Centre
Supported by United Way and Operated by CMHA Huron-Perth, the Centre is a safe, welcoming space for individuals experiencing homelessness—or those at risk of becoming homeless. Visitors can access essential services including: showers and laundry facilities, nutritious meals, and connect to vital community supports. The Centre is open five days a week. Services are client-centred, providing dignity and choice with an unrelenting focus on securing permanent housing.
Stratford Scoreboard
Are you thrashing the competition (for a good cause)? Find out here! Stats are updated every 15 minutes. See how you stack up on the national scoreboard >
Community Sponsors
Stratford (Stratford Connection Centre & Shelterlink Youth Services) is super grateful for our fantastic 2026 sponsors! View all sponsors >
Top Challengers
Got a big-hearted business, workplace, group, church, or community? Step up and join the Challenge to compete for your local pride in support of CNOY. Check the National Challengeboard to see more!
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 28, 2026!
Start/Finish Google Map
Festival Parking Queen St Lot &, Queen St, Lakeside Dr, Stratford, ON N5A 4M8
Gathering beside Lower Queens Park
Along Lakeside Drive in the Stratford Festival Parking Lot
Stratford ON N5A 4M4
Lots of Parking avabilable along Lakeside Drive or in the round about at Upper Queens Park.
Local Details
Parking
There is lots of parking along Lakeside Drive and up and around the circle of Upper Queens Park .
Hot Drinks at Start
Free hot chocolate and coffee during the registration hour 4-5 pm
Post-Event Meal
Soup Surreal serving two hot soups to warm you up when you finish one or two laps of the river!
Schedule
- 4:00 pm: Meet Check-in
- 4:45 pm: Muster Gather for Opening Remarks
- 5:00 pm: Move Send-off
- 6:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 7:00 pm: Mosey Thank You! See you in 2027!
Not able to join us in person at the Main Event? We hope you'll register, fundraise and walk offsite with friends and family.
Route Details
- Route Distances: Check out the maps below to see where we will be walking.
- Rest stop: Keep an eye out for opportunities to rest and refresh with yummy snacks along the route.
- Signage: Routes will be well-signed with our bold blue CNOY signs.
- Route Support: Route marshals, rest stop hosts, and support vehicle drivers provide support along the route.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- No Pets: We love our little furballs like you do, but pets are not permitted at the Coldest Night of the Year except for approved and trained service animals. Read more about our pet policy >
Check-In
- All walkers participating at the Main Event on Saturday, February 28, 2026 must check-in upon arrival.
- Toques! Fundraising walkers who raise $150+ (or $75+ for those under 18) will receive a CNOY toque as a thank you on event day, while supplies last.
- Offsite fundraising walkers can contact their local event director to arrange toque pickup the week of the event.
Have questions? Visit the FAQ section!
Handling Money
- Credit Card: The Best Option! Simple, secure, automatically tax receipted for gifts of $20+. Visit the Donate page, share your personal page link, or have your donor call the CNOY Head Office.
- Cheques: The Old Faithful - made out to Coldest Night of the Year with your name on the Memo line. Mail them to CNOY Head Office along with your completed pledge form.
- Cash: You have 2 options:
- 1. Login to FundHub, click “Enter $$ and Cheques,” create pledges for your cash donations, pay them off with your personal credit card, and keep the cash. OR...
- 2. Write a cheque (made out to “Coldest Night of the Year”) for the total amount of cash you’ve collected. Mail it to the CNOY Head Office with your completed pledge sheet.
Waivers
All participants must register online and accept the electronic waiver.
- Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.
- Youth/Children under the age of majority need a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
- An online form will be emailed to all parents/guardians before CNOY Day.
- You may also bring a filled-out printed waiver.
- Waivers will also be available at check-in on CNOY Day.
What to Bring
A few common sense suggestions:
- A cell phone for emergencies (recommended but not required)
- Good waterproof shoes/boots for walking
- Warm coat and mitts/gloves
- Extra snacks if you have allergies or food sensitivities
- Your own water bottle
- A passion for the charity you're walking and fundraising for!
2025 CNOY Photos
Special thanks to our many amazing volunteer photographers!
Contact Us
CNOY Stratford 2026
The CNOY Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email stratford@cnoy.org