The Lighthouse
Calls on Orillia
to Step Into the Cold for
Coldest Night of the Year 2026

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The Lighthouse is once again inviting those in Orillia and surrounding areas to come together for Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), a nationwide winter walk in support of people facing homelessness, hunger, and hurt.

The Orillia event will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, bringing neighbours together to raise both funds and awareness for vital local services. Coldest Night of the Year is a welcoming, family-friendly walk that challenges participants to experience a small part of what winter can feel like for those without safe and stable housing. Walkers will choose either a 2 km or 5 km route through downtown Orillia, stepping out into the cold to show compassion and solidarity with some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“Coldest Night of the Year is about more than a walk, it’s about showing up for one another,” said Meagan Bianco, Development Director at The Lighthouse. “Every participant, donor, and volunteer helps us continue providing shelter, meals, outreach, and hope to people who need it most.”

CNOY is one of Canada’s largest winter fundraising events, with tens of thousands of participants walking in more than 200 communities nationwide. Funds raised locally support The Lighthouse’s essential programs, including emergency shelter, outreach services, meal programs, supportive housing, and medical and mental health supports.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
• Location: eCapital (outdoor parking lot), 174 West Street S, Orillia, ON L3V 6L4
• Check-in: 4:00 PM
• Walk Start: 5:00 PM
• Registration: https://cnoy.org/location/orillia Participants can look forward to an uplifting atmosphere featuring music, warm drinks, snacks, and a meal at the finish line. Walkers are encouraged to fundraise by collecting pledges from friends, family, and colleagues.

How You Can Get Involved

• Become a Sponsor: Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and community organizations. For details, please contact Jen Jermey at 705-329-2265 ext. 116 or jen@orillialighthouse.ca
• We are also specifically seeking food sponsors to help provide meals and snacks for walkers before and after the event. This is a unique opportunity for local restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and food businesses to set up a booth, connect directly with the community, and offer samples while supporting a meaningful cause. Food sponsors gain valuable exposure while helping ensure participants stay warm and well-fed.
• Register & Fundraise: Sign up as an individual or form a team for the 2 km or 5 km walk at https://cnoy.org/orillia
• Volunteer: Volunteers play a key role in making CNOY a success. Opportunities include route marshals, food service, and event support.

With a fundraising goal of $200,000, The Lighthouse aims to bring together 700 walkers across more than 100 teams to support programs that help individuals move toward stability and a brighter future. For more information about participating in Coldest Night of the Year or supporting The Lighthouse, visit https://cnoy.org/orillia or contact Jen Jermey at jen@orillialighthouse.ca or 705-329-2265 ext. 116.

About The Lighthouse

For more than 30 years, The Lighthouse has been a vital support for people experiencing homelessness in Orillia and Simcoe County. Our vision is a thriving community where everyone has hope, home, and a future. We provide emergency shelter, outreach services, supportive housing, and wraparound supports that help individuals achieve long-term stability.