Last winter reminded us of something important. When the temperature drops, the community rises.

February 22, 2025, marked the coldest Coldest Night of the Year on record in Bruce Grey. Bitter temperatures and heavy snow forced a last-minute change to plans. The 5 km walk was cancelled for safety, but the 2 km walk continued. And more importantly, the heart of the event never slowed down.

Across Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Meaford, and Grey Highlands, neighbours showed up with purpose. Together, walkers, volunteers, donors, and sponsors raised over $131,000 to support people in our communities who are experiencing homelessness, hunger, and financial instability.

That is not just a number. That is the impact you can see and feel.

Where the Funds Are Making a Difference

Funds raised through Coldest Night of the Year are distributed by United Way Bruce Grey to support both region wide programs and trusted hyper local supporters. Every dollar stays local and responds directly to the needs we are seeing right now.

United Way Bruce Grey programs funded through CNOY include the Utility Assistance Program to prevent heat and hydro disconnections, the Financial Literacy Program helping people navigate tough financial situations, 211 Information and Referral connecting residents to housing, mental health, and social supports, the Outreach Fund providing emergency support to individuals who are unhoused or deeply marginalized, and the Backpack Program ensuring kids head to school with the tools they need to succeed.

At the same time, each community partners with a local organization to address urgent needs on the ground.

In Saugeen Shores, 229 walkers and volunteers raised over $60,000 with the support of the Southampton Rotary Club. Those funds are expanding local food and housing supports at a time when affordable housing waitlists exceed 600 people and food bank use has doubled.

In Kincardine, nearly $37,000 was raised alongside the Good Food Box Neighbour to Neighbour Initiative. Half of those dollars are being used to purchase hundreds of boxes of fresh produce for local families, putting healthy food directly into kitchens when costs continue to rise.

In Meaford, walkers raised close to $20,000. Some of the proceeds will support the Meaford Rotary House Outreach Room. This hub provides trauma informed counselling for women, foot care for seniors, registered nursing, Victim Services Bruce Grey, and drop in support for people facing multiple barriers.

In Grey Highlands, funds raised support the South East Grey Community Health Centre, helping continue local produce distribution, wellness programming, and emergency supports so people know help is here and local when they need it most.

These outcomes build on years of impact across Bruce Grey. In 2024 alone, Coldest Night of the Year funds supported housing initiatives, food security programs, and United Way core services in every participating community.

Why We Walk

Coldest Night of the Year is more than a walk. It is a visible reminder that poverty exists in every corner of our region and that solutions start with community.

When weather forced changes in 2025, people adapted. They stayed engaged. They donated anyway. They walked anyway. That resilience is exactly why this event matters.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Coldest Night of the Year returns to Bruce Grey.

This is an invitation. To walk with purpose. To volunteer. To build a team. To sponsor. To show up for neighbours who may be one crisis away from losing housing, heat, or food security.

It is not about distance.
It is about dignity.
It is about showing people they are not alone.

Save the date. February 28, 2026.
We cannot wait to walk with you again.