The coldest days of winter are upon us all – and the most fitting time for this annual charity walk in support of our society’s most vulnerable members. Each year in the dead of winter, the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. CNOY is a moment each year when tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $57,000,000 across Canada in 166 communities – 100% of net proceeds stay local to support CNOY charity partners.
Here at CAFE, we love to participate in events like CNOY. We are grateful for the opportunity to dedicate our time and efforts towards such a great cause as helping the most marginalized members of our community. In the weeks leading up to CNOY, we used our various social platforms, email newsletter and store counters to let as many people as possible know about this incredible event, and help us fundraise towards our goal. In the end, we are happy and proud that our staff raised over $1,000 – and also got all bundled up to come out and walk the Coldest Night of the Year!
The CNOY Walk took place on Saturday, Feb 25, which was brisk and chilly. Our team checked in at registration and received some lovely and very cozy winter toques from CNOY to help them on their walk. After checking the route on the map, we were off!
Teams of every kind and size walked together along 2km and 5km routes, wearing matching hats and sporting community pride as they went. Event organizers stationed along the route cheered the teams on and even posed for a picture or two. The mood was festive, and walkers kept warm – as long as they kept moving!
Shows at the Comedy Bar take place in a small, intimate space, and our shows are usually sold out, meaning every seat in the room is taken. In order to make things easier for guests, the venue places QR codes at each table, including wifi details – so guests may access the bar’s menu and place orders for drinks and light snacks directly on their phones by scanning the app. There is no need to get up from one’s seat multiple times to visit the bar – a quick order placed on the phone ensures a quick, easy transaction and a server bringing the drinks to your table.
Our team started our route at 5:30pm, meaning that we got to catch the sunset as we walked along Toronto’s historic Spadina Avenue. Of course, we couldn’t resist getting a CAFE team photo at College and Spadina Avenue with the CN Tower in the background behind us!
The CNOY Walk finish lines were right back where we started – at Fort York Food Bank located at 380 College St. Our team crossed the finish line to cheers and excited applause from onlookers, while upbeat music helped create a festive mood for our participants! After taking a few team photos, everyone happily took the opportunity to go inside to warm up, and enjoy a warm meal courtesy of FYFB.
Team CAFE is happy to have participated in CNOY 2023! To see what other kinds of events CAFE is part of, visit our LINKS page.
