Coldest Night of the Year Raises Over $113,000 for St. Vincent Place
Sault Ste. Marie residents braved the cold Saturday to participate in the annual Coldest Night of the Year walk, raising over $113,000 for St. Vincent Place. The event aimed to reach a goal of $125,000 to support the organization’s vital services for those experiencing hunger, hurt, and homelessness.
Supporting Essential Community Services
Funds raised through Coldest Night of the Year directly benefit St. Vincent Place, a non-profit organization providing a range of crucial services to the community. These include a food bank, soup kitchen, transitional residence, and the Lunches for Learning program. SooToday reported on the event’s success.
Community Effort and Participation
More than 230 people took to the streets for this year’s walk, contributing to the fundraising total. Jennifer Sarlo, CNOY co-event director, emphasized the importance of the event in raising awareness and supporting St. Vincent Place’s daily operations. “Every little bit helps build awareness of the need in our community, and how St. Vincent Place is meeting those needs every day,” Sarlo stated. SooToday
Participants like Pat Carter, a long-time supporter involved with the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, highlighted the importance of continued support. “I’ve been doing this walk for about 12 years, so I am totally on board with this,” Carter said. SooToday
Increased Demand for Services
St. Vincent Place has seen a growing need for its services. In 2025, the food bank assisted 2,680 families, totaling 4,759 individuals, with nearly 25% of clients being children. Demand is expected to be even higher in 2026, with January seeing a record number of families helped (622) and February projected to set a new record. Sault Star
Fundraising Goal and History
This year, St. Vincent Place increased its fundraising goal to $125,000, up from $100,000 in 2025. Sault Star. Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $1 million for St. Vincent Place in the 14 years since the event began in Sault Ste. Marie. SooToday
Event Details
The 14th annual Coldest Night of the Year event offered participants the choice of walking either 2 km or 5 km, with rest stops providing warm drinks along the route. SooToday. Participants who raised over $150 (or $75 for youth) received a CNOY toque. SooToday