The power of community made great strides on February 22, as almost 300 gathered for the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk at the Welland Campus.
For the third consecutive year, NC was the host site for the Welland CNOY walk in support of the Open Arms Mission, a food bank in Welland that supports to support those experiencing homelessness, hurt and hunger. This year’s fundraising walk raised $116,289; the most successful CNOY in support of the Open Arms Mission to date
The event marked a 10-year milestone for the NC Knight Walkers, Comprised of about 40 participants from the College, the NC team was among 31 teams participating in this year’s CNOY walk. The NC Knight Walkers alone raised $5,840.
Joe Walsh, Executive Director, Open Arms Mission, said he was grateful for NC’s participation and support.
“Seeing the College community come together to walk, fundraise and bring awareness to the challenges faced by those experiencing hunger and homelessness was truly inspiring,” said Walsh.
He noted that NC played a vital role in making this year’s event a success.
“Your involvement not only helped raise essential funds but also strengthened the message that no one in our community should feel alone in their struggles,” said Walsh. “It’s always amazing to see what can be accomplished when organizations, students, and community members unite for a common cause.
“We are so appreciative of Niagara College’s continued partnership and the heart your team brings to events like this. Thank you for making a real difference!”
President Sean Kennedy took the stage at The Core prior to help kick off the event and addressed the crowd. He congratulated the walkers, all those who raised funds, and the many volunteers who contributed to the event’s success.
“Communities are defined the level of caring that we give each to other and how we lift each other up and I think this walk and the work with the Open Arms Mission really exemplifies that deep sense of caring and it’s what makes our community so great,” said Kennedy.
“We’re proud, at Niagara College, to host this event because it’s so important and it aligns with who we are as a college: we believe deeply in the importance of caring for each other, caring for our students, helping our students achieve their dreams and in partnering with our communities to strengthen our communities.
“This is a great example of our commitment to strengthen our communities, our caring and forming really strong partnerships.”
Kennedy thanked team captain Joe Abbruscato for his leadership and for being a catalyst for the event at the College.
Abbruscato said he was very proud of what the team accomplished this year.
“I have always said there is strength in numbers, and this is another example of many hands working together for the greater good of our community. Just seeing the growth in this event over my 10 years has been rewarding,” said Abbruscato, who marked his final year as team captain of the NC Knight Walkers – his colleague Hairstyling Technologist Courtney Booth will take over as team captain in 2026.
“Having the College’s support and allowing our facility to be used has made it a safer community-friendly walk and what better way to show off NC ‘s hospitality by Danny and the SAC team sponsoring comfort food and beverages for all the walkers,” said Abbruscato. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved!”
Welland Mayor Frank Campion also took the stage at the Core prior to the walk kickoff.
“I want to thank you, Sean, for your commitment to the community and what you do for the community by allowing all of these folks to gather in one spot, in a very safe and warm environment … and it’s a great walk,” said Campion. “Your commitment to the community is not forgotten.”
NC’s Community Events and Relations team helped organize the event in coordination with the Welland Open Arms Mission. The NC Student Administrative Council provided a post-walk reception and snacks for participants at The Core, while Campus Security and FMS ensured that maintenance and safety were a priority for the event.
The annual fundraising walk was one of many CNOY walks occurring across Canada on February 22. Each event supported local charities that assist those in need in their communities.
Since 2011, the CNOY has raised over $75,000,000 across Canada in 190 Canadian communities – 100% of net proceeds stay local to support CNOY charity partners. Visit cnoy.org .
