Niagara College will once again participate in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) community walk on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in support of Open Arms Welland. The annual family-friendly event raises funds and awareness for organizations serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
This year’s walk will return to the Welland Campus, with registration beginning at 3:00 p.m., the walk starting at 4:00 p.m., and a post-walk reception hosted in the Learning Commons. The reception has moved to this new location for 2026 to accommodate the event’s growing number of walkers and community support.
NC’s team, the Knight Walkers, will be led by new team captain, Courtney Booth, Hairstyling Technologist in the School of Trades, who is taking over from former team captain and Hairstyling Professor, Joe Abbruscato. The College community is encouraged to join the Knight Walkers, support the team through donations, and help spread the word leading up to event day.
“I’m really excited to be stepping in as the new team captain for our Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser,” said Booth. “I’ve been working at Niagara College–and walking in CNOY–for nearly five years, and this is my first year taking on the captain role. It’s an honour to continue the great work that Joe Abbruscato built over his 10 years leading the team.
Additional event details, including registration links and route information, will be shared in the new year.
About CNOY
The Coldest Night of the Year is a national fundraising walk held in communities across Canada in support of local charities. Since 2011, CNOY has raised millions to support programs for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity. All funds raised through the Welland walk stay local to support Open Arms Welland.
To learn more about Coldest Night of the Year in support of Open Arms Welland, visit: cnoy.org/location/welland
