Grace Inn Shelter is still taking registrations for its Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event coming up Saturday, February 28.
After years of steady growth, the event has outgrown the parking lot of the shelter.
The 5 km walk will now begin and end at Maranatha Church.
This year, organizers are hoping to raise $65,000 to support essential homelessness services provided by Grace Inn Shelter.
Walkers will head north on North Front Street and continue past the Quinte Mall on Bell Boulevard—an intentional choice to highlight that homelessness affects people in every corner of Belleville, not only in the downtown core.
“Seeing the growth of this event mirrors the growing awareness and compassion in our city,” says Rob Crisp, executive director of Grace Inn Shelter. “Our new starting point at Maranatha Church gives us the space we need—and our new route puts the realities of homelessness where the whole community can see them. Every step taken is part of restoring dignity and hope.”
This year’s walk will feature warming firepits, opening ceremonies, a refreshed route, and a warm post-walk celebration at Maranatha Church—complete with soup and chili to end the walk with warmth and gratitude for those who have diligently raised funds to support the shelter.
How to Get Involved
- Register to walk the 5km or 2km route as an individual or register with friends, family or co-workers and start a team
- Donate to support a walker or team
- Share the campaign to raise awareness
Sign up at GraceInnShelter.com.
