June 24th 2025 — Bruce and Grey Counties, ON — February 22, 2025 may have brought record-low temperatures and snowy conditions—the coldest Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) on record for Bruce Grey—but it also sparked one of the warmest outpourings of compassion across the region.

While extreme weather forced the cancellation of the planned 5km walk, the 2 km walk did proceed in all four communities—Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Meaford, and Grey Highlands—rallied with unmatched spirit, raising $131,405 in support of neighbours facing homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty.

How the Funds Are Making an Impact

Proceeds from CNOY 2025 are distributed by the United Way Bruce Grey with grants to four incredible hyper local supporting organizations.

United Way Bruce Grey is funding these Bruce Grey wide programs:

• The Utility Assistance Program, which helps prevent heat and hydro disconnections
• The Financial Literacy Program, guiding residents through difficult financial situations
• 211 Information & Referral Services, linking people to local housing, mental health, and social supports
• The Outreach Fund, providing direct, emergency support to individuals who are unhoused or deeply marginalized
• The Backpack Program, giving kids the tools they need for a strong start at school

Each hyper local supporting organizations is using their share to tackle issues like food insecurity, outreach services, and access to safe spaces.

Saugeen Shores: $60,374 (gross) Raised for Housing, Hunger and Mental Health Support

In Saugeen Shores, 229 walkers and volunteers raised an astounding $60,374 with supporting organization Southampton Rotary Club. Hosted at Rotary Hall, the event featured support from community champions including Bruce Power, Powers Workers’ Union, Bruce County Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center, The Queens, Chantry Senior’s Centre, Tim Hortons, Vanderwerf’s Your Independent Grocer, and others.

Funds are being used to:

• Expand local food and housing programs via the Rotary Club

“With over 600 people waiting for affordable housing and our food bank usage doubling, our community stepped up to help those in need,” said June Van Bastelaar, CNOY Event Coordinator.

“We’re actively exploring new investments in emergency housing, food bank access, and mental health supports,” added Tony Sheard, Club President.

Kincardine: $37,319 (gross) Raised to Feed and Support Families

In Kincardine, 148 participants raised $37,319 through a passionate collaboration with the Good Food Box Neighbour to Neighbour Initiative. Hosted at the Kincardine Legion, the event was backed by Bruce Power, Power Workers’ Union, Tim Hortons, and others.

These funds are supporting:

• The purchase of 471 boxes of fresh produce for community members

“We are thrilled with the community’s response. These funds will help us provide real, practical support—nutritious food in people’s kitchens, at a time when costs are rising and needs are growing,” said Shirley Steele, GFB Coordinator.

Meaford: $19,387 (gross) Raised to Sustain Vital Outreach Services

Meaford rallied 105 walkers and volunteers to raise $19,387 (gross) with the support of the Meaford Rotary Club. The walk began at The Rotary House, a hub for essential community services including counselling, food access, and outreach.

Thanks to generous sponsors Bruce Power, The Dam Pub, Jake’s Grab and Go, Godard’s Independent Grocer, Believers Coffee, and others, the funds will continue to fuel services that meet people where they are.

The Rotary Club will fund the Meaford Rotary House Outreach Room, which hosts:

• Trauma-informed counselling for women
• Footcare for seniors
• Registered nursing
• Victim Services Bruce Grey
• Drop-in support for people facing multiple barriers

“Thank you to all involved in the Coldest Night of the Year 2025! The participant survey said it best, when asked what made the event great for them, respondents said, “The People, the Cause.” Our community is even better when we see, recognize, and try to meet the diverse needs of the whole community.” Peggy McIntosh, CNOY Event Coordinator 2025 & Meaford Rotary House Outreach Lead

Grey Highlands: $14,415 (gross) Raised for Local Wellness and Emergency Support

In Grey Highlands, 49 walkers and volunteers gathered at the South East Grey Community Health Centre (SEGCHC) in Markdale, raising $14,415 (gross). Local sponsorship came from Bruce Power and D.C. Creations, helping to create a heartfelt day of impact.

Funds raised will:

• Help SEGCHC continue its local produce distribution, through the Good Food Box and wellness programming

“When people face crisis situations, we want them to know help is here—and local,” said Crystal Ferguson, Manager, Community Engagement & Health Promotion at SEGCHC

“These funds mean we can be there when someone is hungry and is in need of a box of healthy produce for their family”

From United Way Bruce Grey

“This year’s Coldest Night of the Year showed us something powerful—compassion doesn’t freeze. When the cold snowy forced us to pause the 5K walk, our communities still moved forward. These funds will help us support those who are unhoused, in crisis, and often forgotten. Thank you for walking with us, in every sense of the word.”
— Kristy Andre, Fundraising Champion, United Way Bruce Grey

Thank You, Bruce Grey

To every volunteer. Every sponsor. Every donor. Every partner.

You showed that even in the coldest moments, this region is full of heart.

We’ll see you again on Saturday, Feburary 28^th 2026.

For more information, or to set up an interview with:
UWBG Fundraising Champion, Kristy Andre, call (519)-376-1560 or email fundraiser@unitedwaybg.com.

About United Way Bruce Grey

Since 1998, United Way of Bruce Grey has been working to meet critical local needs through community-focused programs and partnerships. From addressing poverty to supporting education, United Way is committed to improving lives and building a stronger Bruce Grey for everyone.