The Coldest Night of the Year walk in 2024 at Henderson Lake in Lethbridge. CNOY returns on Feb. 28, 2026. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now) (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Coldest Night of the Year returns Saturday in Lethbridge & Taber

Feb 27, 2026 | 11:15 AM

A fundraising walk is returning to southern Alberta this weekend.

The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), scheduled for Feb. 28, 2026, raises money for critical services at local charities that support vulnerable families and individuals.

Two walks will take place in Lethbridge, while another is set for Taber.

The Lethbridge Henderson walk will support the Wood’s Homes Lethbridge Opportunity Hub and Emergency Youth Shelter.

After a short program at 4:40 p.m. at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, walkers will take a two or five-kilometre route around Henderson Lake. Participants can then enjoy a mashed potato bar in the Bunka Centre and have complimentary access to the Winter Lights Festival in the Japanese Garden.

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Bjorn Johasson, CEO of Wood’s Homes, says CNOY is about more than just walking; it is about showing up for young people in a way that creates real, lasting impact.

“The compassion and generosity we see on this night directly strengthens our ability to provide safety, shelter, and support for young people facing incredibly difficult circumstances,” says Johansson. “We are grateful to every walker, donor, volunteer, and partner who makes this event such a powerful expression of hope.

As of 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, a little over $11,000 had been raised, approximately 57 per cent of the way to its goal of $20,000.

The Lethbridge Downtown walk will raise money for Streets Alive Mission.

The non-profit has been working to address poverty in the city since 1990, providing for the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the poor.

Participants can check in at 4:00 p.m. at Festival Square (600 3 Ave South) with opening remarks at 4:45 p.m. The two and five-kilometre walks will begin at 5:00 p.m., and a light meal will be served at 6:00 p.m.

As of 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, a little over $55,000 had been raised, approximately 79 per cent of the way to its goal of $70,000.

Money raised at the Taber walk will go towards the Taber Food Bank.

Their mission is to meet the real and immediate needs of the poor and hungry in the Taber area, while also working towards long-term solutions for hunger and poverty.

This event will start at the Taber Ice Arena (4720 C 50 Street) with check-in at 4:00 p.m. Similarly to the Lethbridge Downtown walk, opening remarks will take place at 4:45 p.m. with the two and five-kilometre marks kicking off at 5:00 p.m. and a light meal served at 6:00 p.m.

As of 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, a little over $21,000 had been raised, approximately 56 per cent of the way to its goal of $38,000.

You can see the full list of CNOY locations, learn more about the fundraiser, and make donations at CNOY.org