Each year in February, tens of thousands of Canadians bundle up and step into the cold to take part in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY)—a family-friendly winter walk that raises funds for local charities supporting people facing hunger, hurt, and homelessness.
This year, on February 22, two southern island parishes—Our Lady of the Rosary and Holy Cross—joined the movement, rallying their communities to walk with purpose and solidarity.
Why We Walk
The Coldest Night of the Year is more than just a fundraiser—it’s an act of empathy and awareness. We walk through the cold and dark to show support for those who have no home, for families struggling to put food on the table, for individuals fleeing violence, and for those battling isolation and despair. Since its inception in 2011, CNOY has raised over $75 million across 190 Canadian communities, with 100% of net proceeds staying local to assist those in need.
This year, our parishes walked to bring light and hope to the most vulnerable in our communities.
Our Lady of the Rosary: Walking for Westshore
On the Westshore, Our Lady of the Rosary walked in support of Pacific Centre Family Services Association (PCFSA) and Our Place Society Westshore. Since 1968, PCFSA has been a beacon of support for families and individuals across Southern Vancouver Island, offering counselling, education, and community outreach programs. Their work improves the lives of youth-at-risk, adults, families, and seniors each year. Additionally, since 2022, they have expanded to include team-based medical care and community outreach for the most vulnerable.
Led by Fr. William Hann and Dcn. Dion Pomponio, 16 walkers from OLOR braved the cold and raised an impressive $5,995 (as of March 5) to support these vital services.
Because they were walking on a sidewalk, the walkers had to stay in pairs. Each time they reached a crosswalk, the group shuffled—walking with someone new every 5 to 10 minutes. It turned out to be a great way to connect with different people in the parish!
Dcn. Dion found that although many people were generous with donations, it took a more personal touch to encourage people to sign up to walk. But by speaking to people one-on-one, he could tell that the cause really resonated with members of the community and ultimately led to a great turnout.
While the group was walking, Dcn. Dion met a man on the sidewalk who mentioned that he had used PCFSA and Our Place services and wished he could donate but didn't have the ability yet. Dcn. Dion was touched to see how moved the man was by the community support and that he wanted to give back, knowing others needed the support as well.
Holy Cross: Walking for Victoria’s Vulnerable
In Victoria, Holy Cross parish joined the walk to support Our Place Society, a nonprofit providing pathways out of homelessness and poverty in Greater Victoria. Each day, Our Place Society serves over 1,400 meals, provides shelter and supportive housing, offers hot showers, and paramedic services, and runs Vancouver Island’s only long-term Therapeutic Recovery Community—among many other essential services.
Holy Cross had seven registered walkers, with a few others joining in on the night, including Bishop Gary Gordon and his dog, Taku. Together, they raised an inspiring $7,265 (as of March 5) to support those in need.
Fr. William started the team at Holy Cross Parish several years ago, and after he left, Holy Cross parishioners continued the tradition, feeling a strong desire to continue supporting those in need. Bev Pulyk, this year's organizer at Holy Cross, shared that the community recognized how much they had compared to those who have so little, and they wanted to give back in any way they could.
For Bev, the reality that there are people in the community without food or shelter is unimaginable. “Anything we can do to help support them is worth it,” she said. Our Place Society has reported an increase in the number of people needing their services, making their work more critical than ever.
That night, the weather seemed to mirror the struggle of those without shelter—it had been raining all day. Just as Bev parked her car, the rain stopped. The walkers had been prepared to face the rain, recognizing that many people don’t have the option to escape the elements. But the timing of the rain stopping felt almost symbolic—like a small blessing for the journey ahead.
Bev found it very heartening to see new walkers joining the event this year. For many, it was an opportunity to not only support an incredible cause but also connect with fellow parishioners they wouldn’t normally interact with, strengthening the sense of community and shared purpose.
Still Time to Give!
Although the walk has passed, the opportunity to make a difference isn’t over. Donations remain open until March 31, giving everyone a chance to contribute to this essential cause. Every dollar raised stays local, ensuring that people in our community receive the support and resources they need.
Join us in making a difference—one step, one donation, one act of kindness at a time.
Holy Cross Donation Link: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/donate.aspx?eventid=389710&teamID=1029327
Our Lady of the Rosary Donation Link: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/donate.aspx?eventid=389710&teamID=1023961