CNOY23: Braving the “Brr” for a Great Cause

Coldest Night of the Year is always an exciting time of year here at Oasis, and 2023 gave us even more reason to celebrate!

On February 25, the Oasis community gathered together to walk in support the people in our neighbourhood who need it the most — people experiencing homelessness, hurt and hunger. This was our first in-person event after two years of virtual walks due to COVID-19, and it was great to see everyone together again IRL.

Our dedicated volunteers helped to bring the event to life, from checking people and teams in, to holding banners directing walkers along the way, to serving up bowls of steaming hot chili and the end of the evening. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this year’s CNOY ‘23 to life!

A huge round of applause also goes to our teams of walkers, who set out on either 2.5km or 5 km loops through the Dufferin-Davenport neighbourhood, braving wintery temperatures and snow along the route and taking over the sidewalks in support of those in need.

Afterwards, we warmed up with some good food, some good conversation, and a speech from our local MP Julie Dzerowicz. We were also honoured to have welcomed speeches from our local city councillor, Alejandra Bravo, and MPP Marit Stiles, earlier in the evening. We’re grateful for their continued support of Oasis Dufferin and for championing the cause of food security and affordability at City Hall and Queen’s Park.

Together, we were able to raise just over $18,000 to support our neighbourhood with access to food and community programming.

Thank you to each and every one of you for making this year’s CNOY the resounding success that it was. We can’t wait to do it all again next year. Until then, stay warm!