This year is St. Catharines’ 12th annual Coldest Night of the Year walk, a fundraiser to raise money for the unhoused.
On the evening of Feb. 22, the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising walk is marching through the streets of downtown St. Catharines to raise money for and spread awareness about local unhoused individuals.
Emily Fieguth is this year’s event coordinator of the St. Catharines CNOY. Although she’s been volunteering and participating in the walk for years, this is her first time as the coordinator, and she takes her role seriously. She regularly refills the “warmth and care clothesline” beside Mahtay Cafe with a constant supply of hats, scarves, socks and mittens from her car. This display welcomes and encourages unsheltered individuals to help themselves to something warm. A sign there also reminds everyone passing by that: “You are valued, and your warmth matters.”
Many people use the word “homeless” to describe those living on the streets, however, this word is “not only limiting but also invokes stereotypes,” said Fieguth. “It’s not just that,” she said, gesturing to a man sleeping on the street: “unhoused” or “unsheltered” is more respectful and encompasses everyone without their own residence, including those moving from shelter to shelter or even couch-surfing.
People from “all walks of life” come to participate in the CNOY, including businesses, social clubs, schools, families and individuals. Fieguth estimates 400 people usually attend the event.
Last year, the CNOY raised more than $159,000 in St. Catharines. This year’s goal is very ambitious at $175,000. As of writing, the not-for-profit charity Start Me Up Niagara has raised just over $74,900 — 42 per cent of their goal. Donations will be accepted until March 30, and Fieguth is hopeful their target will be reached.
This year, the theme is “change the tune,” which aims to “change the narrative” on homelessness. Emily Fieguth said they hope to “encourage a shift in perspective — to see unsheltered individuals as resilient people facing complex challenges.”
An interactive display set up at the start of the event will allow people to consider what they have or have ever had in common with the unhoused community: physical and emotional pain, mental illness, food insecurity, poverty and a lack of stable, affordable housing.
Fieguth explained the struggles of being unhoused: these people are in constant survival mode, exposed to the elements, worrying about where they’re going to sleep each night and what they’re going to eat each day. When your mind is stuck in survival mode, it’s very hard to think long-term, said Fieguth.
The CNOY is also a great opportunity for those looking to volunteer. People can help with the set-up, sign-up, check-in, food services and help oversee the walk.
The event starts at Market Square in downtown St. Catharines at 4 p.m. After checking in, participants can take selfies in the photobooth and partake in the interactive displays. There will be hot chocolate, coffee, snacks and a kids’ fun area. As per this year’s theme, Niagara’s MOVE 105.7 CHRE-FM will be there, as well as local DJ “DJ Nits,” who will be spinning some tunes.
The walk begins at 5 p.m. It takes place on sidewalks, is wheelchair accessible, can be either two or five kilometers (depending on which route you prefer) and has rest stops for hot beverages and restroom use.
“Come and have fun, be a part of something, make a positive difference in our community,” Fieguth said. “Help raise awareness and increase the impact.”
Start Me Up Niagara will be raising funds at the Niagara Ice Dogs game on Feb. 8 with “pass the bucket,” “scan the barcode” and “chuck the puck.” Hockey fans can even join the Ice Dogs’ CNOY team and walk with team captain “Bones.”
Donating and/or participating in this event directly helps Start Me Up Niagara provide crucial services and programs for the unsheltered, including access to medical support, clothing through Niagara’s Mobile Closet and food security programs through the “From Our Garden” program.
People are invited to form a team, walk solo or donate if they can’t make it to the event. Each adult that raises $150 will receive a CNOY toque. Those interested can also check out Niagara’s Mobile Closet to make specific item donations. On their Facebook page, they provide a “Needs List” to help encourage the donation of items in desperate need.
