CNOY STORIES

What is CNOY like?

Curious what Coldest Night of the Year is like? Want to know why people come back again and again? 

In 2023 we talked to some of the walkers and supporters about their experiences with CNOY and why they get involved year after year.

Andrew May, Tea at the White House: The Impact is Huge
January 22nd

Andrew May, Tea at the White House: The Impact is Huge

By Julie-Marie Innes, Communication Volunteer

Tea at the White House in Waterdown is known for its mouthwatering scones and they have become a delicious attraction for participants in the 5km walk during Coldest Night of the Year.

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Lori Grundy, Jitterbug Café: A Great Cause to Support
January 22nd

Lori Grundy, Jitterbug Café: A Great Cause to Support

By Julie-Marie Innes, Communication Volunteer

Coldest Night of the Year is a chance to make a difference and raise funds to help support mental health services right in Waterdown. An added benefit is the opportunity to visit local

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Shari Reaume, Turkstra: Giving Back to the Community
January 22nd

Shari Reaume, Turkstra: Giving Back to the Community

By Julie-Marie Innes, Communication Volunteer

Turkstra Lumber of Waterdown has made it its mission to give back to the community it has served for over 70 years. That is why it is one of the top fundraising teams in Coldest Night of

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Steph Gandza, Starbucks: Matching Funds for Mental Health
January 22nd

Steph Gandza, Starbucks: Matching Funds for Mental Health

By Julie-Marie Innes, Communication Volunteer

Starbucks believes giving back is not just an obligation, but a responsibility and that is why it continues to support mental health initiatives whenever it can.  Waterdown's Starbucks not

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Miklos Kanalas, Fortinos: Doing Everything We Can
January 22nd

Miklos Kanalas, Fortinos: Doing Everything We Can

By Julie-Marie Innes, Communication Volunteer

They proudly describe their business as 'Your Supermarket with a heart!' and Fortinos has made it their mission to put this slogan into action, whenever possible. "Just supporting 

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Rachel Collins, Compass Point: Supporting Mental Health
January 21st

Rachel Collins, Compass Point: Supporting Mental Health

By Julie-Marie Innes, Communication Volunteer

Not everyone can access the mental health support that they desperately need. This is a reality close to the heart of Rachel Collins who has walked in Coldest Night of the Year every

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Claudia Brown, Team SisterAct: It's So Rewarding
January 20th

Claudia Brown, Team SisterAct: It's So Rewarding

By Julie-Marie Innes, Communication Volunteer

“It's amazing what a group of women can do when they're given a challenge,” says Carlisle resident Claudia Brown. She and her team of 17 women call themselves SisterAct and they've

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Jolaine Montgomery, Flamborough Baptist: Walking for a Purpose
January 19th

Jolaine Montgomery, Flamborough Baptist: Walking for a Purpose

By Julie-Marie Innes, Communication Volunteer

Jolaine Montgomery of Waterdown believes in leading by example and when it comes to her participation in Coldest Night of the Year, there are two very important reasons why she gets

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Brooke Gordon, Soroptimist: A Chance to Reconnect
January 15th

Brooke Gordon, Soroptimist: A Chance to Reconnect

By Julie-Marie Innes, Communication Volunteer

Service to others has been Brooke Gordon's focus for many years, so it's no surprise she would be an active advocate for Eagles Nest and Coldest Night of the Year. The Waterdown

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Richard Bellsmith, Fire Department: Meet Your Neighbours
January 15th

Richard Bellsmith, Fire Department: Meet Your Neighbours

By Julie-Marie Innes, Communication Volunteer

When the Waterdown Firefighters take to the streets for the 5km walk at Coldest Night of the Year, you can't miss them.  The group of about 15 are usually decked out in their full bunker

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