Windsor Raises $132,740 in Record‑Breaking Coldest Night of the Year Walk
The Downtown Mission has announced that the 2026 Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) on Feb. 28 was the most successful in Windsor’s history, raising an outstanding $132,740 — 106% of the $125,000 goal.
This year’s event brought together an extraordinary number of community supporters, including:
- 406 registered walkers
- 46 teams
- 75 volunteers
- 17 event sponsors
Windsor placed 31st out of 222 locations nationwide in Canada’s largest winter walk for charity. The Downtown Mission exceeded national averages in every major category — fundraising total, participant count, team count, donor engagement, and sponsorship.
Nationally, Coldest Night of the Year raised $15,107,489, achieving 100% of its $15 million goal.
“Windsor showed up in an incredible way. It’s great to show our guests of the Mission that they are NOT alone and our community DOES care about each and every one of them. This record year reflects the strength and compassion of our entire community. To everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, or sponsored the event — thank you. You made this possible.” – Kevin Blondin, Manager of Development & Community Engagement
The Mission extends heartfelt thanks to all dignitaries who shared remarks and encouragement at the opening ceremony: MP Harb Gill, MPP Lisa Gretzky, MPP Andrew Dowie, and Councillors Renaldo Agostino, Angelo Marignani, Kieran McKenzie, and Gary Kaschak.
The fundraising page remains open until March 31, 2026, and additional contributions are still greatly appreciated. Donations can be made online.
Organizers wish to thanks participants, team captains, donors, volunteers, sponsors, and to the City of Windsor. They thank you for coming together to support our community’s most vulnerable neighbours. This success belongs to all of Windsor.
