Duncan
CMHA Cowichan Valley
286 Walkers|54 Teams|68 Volunteers
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness... because it’s cold out there. Join us on February 28, 2026 - across the country, close to home!
About CMHA Cowichan Valley
The Canadian Mental Health Association - Cowichan Valley Branch, facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and addiction.
The Cowichan Valley has an estimated 500+ individuals that are unhoused or precariously housed (couch surfing, living in vehicles). As housing becomes more scarce and less affordable, these numbers are increasing. Unfortunately, some of those individuals are youth. At a time in their lives when they need stability, direction and support, they have none. Some have left foster care or unhealthy family situations, some have disabilities and many struggle with trauma that we can't even begin to imagine. During the Coldest Night of the Year, we walk to raise funds for safe spaces and programming to support homeless youth in our community.
How do we help? We provide a safe place for youth to drop in. We listen while we provide the basics such as a warm meal, medical attention, a warm shower and clean clothes. We ask what they need and direct them to resources in the community. We provide shelter, support and a soft place to land in hard times.
We have been raising funds since 2022 to provide a safe place and shelter for vulnerable youth in the Cowichan Valley. Last year, we were able to put a down payment on a house on Hemlock Street in Duncan and begin transforming the home into our Youth Emergency Shelter (YES). These funds (just over $200,000) were a direct result of our CNOY fundraising efforts. In addition to the funds from CNOY and funding from the Province of BC for ongoing operational costs, the Mischa Weisz Foundation donated another $450,000. To recognize both the legacy of Mischa Weisz and because “Lelum” is a fitting Hulqiminum word meaning home, the new home is called Mischa Lelum. This youth shelter is the second program of its kind in BC.
As we continue fundraising to support Youth In Crisis, we ask for your help as we work to develop stable, supported housing for youth 19+ and look for a new, permanent and more suitable space for our Youth Drop In Centre (presently located at 360 Festubert St).
Please join us on February 28th, 2026 and help us provide the vital connection needed to change the course of young lives.
Spoken Word Poetry: Let's Go For a Walk.
Hip Hop Artist and one time Youth Outreach Worker Switch tells us why we should take a walk to support Coldest Night of the Year.
Duncan Scoreboard
Are you thrashing the competition (for a good cause)? Find out here! Stats are updated every 15 minutes. See how you stack up on the national scoreboard >
Community Sponsors
Duncan (CMHA Cowichan Valley) is super grateful for our fantastic 2026 sponsors! View all sponsors >
Top Challengers
Got a big-hearted business, workplace, group, church, or community? Step up and join the Challenge to compete for your local pride in support of CNOY. Check the National Challengeboard to see more!
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 28, 2026!
Start/Finish Google Map
Cowichan Community Centre
Multi-Purpose Room
2687 James Street
Duncan, BC
V9L2X5
The Multi Purpose Room is on the main floor, opposite the arena.
Schedule
- 4:00 pm: Meet Check-in
- 4:45 pm: Muster Gather for Opening Remarks
- 5:00 pm: Move Send-off
- 6:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 7:00 pm: Mosey Thank You! See you in 2027!
Not able to join us in person at the Main Event? We hope you'll register, fundraise and walk offsite with friends and family.
Route Details
- Route Distances: Check out the maps below to see where we will be walking.
- Rest stop: Keep an eye out for opportunities to rest and refresh with yummy snacks along the route.
- Signage: Routes will be well-signed with our bold blue CNOY signs.
- Route Support: Route marshals, rest stop hosts, and support vehicle drivers provide support along the route.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- No Pets: We love our little furballs like you do, but pets are not permitted at the Coldest Night of the Year except for approved and trained service animals. Read more about our pet policy >
Check-In
- All walkers participating at the Main Event on Saturday, February 28, 2026 must check-in upon arrival.
- Toques! Fundraising walkers who raise $150+ (or $75+ for those under 18) will receive a CNOY toque as a thank you on event day, while supplies last.
- Offsite fundraising walkers can contact their local event director to arrange toque pickup the week of the event.
Have questions? Visit the FAQ section!
Handling Money
- Credit Card: The Best Option! Simple, secure, automatically tax receipted for gifts of $20+. Visit the Donate page, share your personal page link, or have your donor call the CNOY Head Office.
- Cheques: The Old Faithful - made out to Coldest Night of the Year with your name on the Memo line. Mail them to CNOY Head Office along with your completed pledge form.
- Cash: You have 2 options:
- 1. Login to FundHub, click “Enter $$ and Cheques,” create pledges for your cash donations, pay them off with your personal credit card, and keep the cash. OR...
- 2. Write a cheque (made out to “Coldest Night of the Year”) for the total amount of cash you’ve collected. Mail it to the CNOY Head Office with your completed pledge sheet.
Waivers
All participants must register online and accept the electronic waiver.
- Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.
- Youth/Children under the age of majority need a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
- An online form will be emailed to all parents/guardians before CNOY Day.
- You may also bring a filled-out printed waiver.
- Waivers will also be available at check-in on CNOY Day.
What to Bring
A few common sense suggestions:
- A cell phone for emergencies (recommended but not required)
- Good waterproof shoes/boots for walking
- Warm coat and mitts/gloves
- Extra snacks if you have allergies or food sensitivities
- Your own water bottle
- A passion for the charity you're walking and fundraising for!
Duncan Maps
Check out this year's CNOY route maps below:
Duncan 5km Walk
Duncan 2 km Walk
2025 CNOY Photos
Here's a collection of our favorite photos from CNOY 2025. Special thanks to our many amazing volunteer photographers!
Contact Us
CNOY Duncan 2026
Coldest Night Team Event Director
Phone 250.709.1855
Email annemarie.thornton@cmhacowichan.ca