Niagara College is once again participating in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) community walk on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in support of Open Arms Welland. This annual family-friendly event raises funds and awareness for organizations serving individuals experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
Niagara College’s team, the Knight Walkers, is encouraging students, staff, and community members to participate or support the team through donations. The team’s fundraising goal this year is $5,000, and those who would like to join or contribute can visit the Knight Walkers page here: secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1037594.
Event Details
Registration begins at 3:00 p.m., with the walk starting at 4:00 p.m., and a post-walk reception will be hosted from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Welland Campus Learning Commons, a new location for 2026 to accommodate the event’s growing number of walkers and community support. The walk will follow the same route as last year, with parking and security arrangements remaining unchanged.
Parking and Road Closures at Welland Campus
- Parking lots A and C can be accessed via First Avenue, lot F can be accessed via Woodlawn Road or Rice Road, and lot G can be accessed via Woodlawn Road.
- Barricades will be in place around campus to ensure a safe walkway for participants and volunteers. The walk will begin at 4 p.m. from the Athletic & Student Centre Entrance.
- North Road and Chippewan Boulevard at Talbot Trail will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic during the walk (see below map).
Map
Introducing this year’s new team captain: Courtney Booth
This year, the Knight Walkers will be led by Courtney Booth, Hairstyling Technologist in the School of Trades, who is stepping into the role of team captain for the first time after five years participating in the walk.
Booth says she was inspired to take on the role because the event continues to grow each year, “bringing more students, staff, and families together.” With the walk taking place right on NC’s campus and benefiting Open Arms Mission in the community, she felt it was a natural next step to lead the team.
Supporting this fundraiser is especially meaningful to Booth because it directly helps people in the local community.
“Many individuals who utilize Open Arms Mission services are also supported here at the college through our teaching salon and other clinics, which makes this cause feel even more personal,” she said. “Hosting the walk on campus also highlights the College’s connection to the local community. It’s especially meaningful to see students and staff supporting people we also serve through our on-campus clinics, alongside families and community members of all ages.”
This year, Booth hopes the team will not only reach their $5,000 fundraising goal, but also continue to see growth in participation.
“Each year brings more walkers and a growing sense of community, and I’d love to see that momentum continue,” said Booth. “She encourages anyone considering joining the walk to take part, noting it’s a “welcoming, family-friendly event that’s open to all ages. Whether you come on your own or bring your family, it’s a great way to connect with others while supporting an important local cause.”
About Coldest Night of the Year
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.
For more information about the walk, or to learn how to join or donate, visit the Knight Walkers team page: secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1037594 or cnoy.org/location/welland.
