Residents in Thunder Bay, Ontario, raised more than $143,000 to help people facing homelessness and hunger during the annual Coldest Night of the Year walk on February 28, 2026. The event brought community members together to walk in the winter weather and collect donations for local support services.
The funds from the fundraiser are directed to Grace Ministries, which is also known as The Grace Place. This non-profit group uses the money to provide hot meals, emergency shelter, and other help for people dealing with poverty and food insecurity in the city.
The walk is a national event organized by the Blue Sea Foundation to draw attention to the difficulties of living outside during the coldest time of the year. Participants walk through local streets to better understand the challenges faced by those who do not have a stable place to live.
This year’s fundraising total exceeded expectations and will help ensure that essential programs for vulnerable residents can continue to operate. The success of the event reflects the ongoing community effort to support those in need during the harsh winter months.
