Coldest Night of the Year

Team up for the Coldest Night of the Year event on February 28, 2026.

For the third year in a row, Squamish Helping Hands (SHH) is inviting the community to team up for the Coldest Night of the Year event on February 28, 2026. All are welcome at this family-friendly, bridge-building fundraising walk to support people experiencing hunger, hurt, and homelessness in Squamish.

As part of a national event, the Squamish Coldest Night of the Year will take place alongside walks in 225 cities, towns, and communities across Canada, all occurring on the same night. Walking together on the cold, wet, dark downtown streets is a chance for every person to experience what it’s like to be unhoused during the most difficult time of the year.

SHH is looking for people to register a team, fundraise and walk in the event. Every dollar raised will bring someone in our community closer to safety, health and home. Opportunities to sponsor the event, donate and volunteer are also still available. 

2024 was Squamish Helping Hands’ first year hosting the event and Squamish blew the nation’s socks off by raising $83,000 – quadrupling the first-year national average. This year, their goal is $100,000 and they are looking for 60 teams to lead the way!
For more information on the event, please visit: www.cnoy.org/squamish

The Squamish walk will begin at Junction Park, 37950 Cleveland Ave and end at Howe Sound Inn and Brewing for a light meal provided by the incredible food service team at Squamish Helping Hands. Participants can choose between a two-kilometre or five-kilometre route, warm up with toasty drinks and snacks at rest stops along the way, and celebrate their efforts together with a cozy dinner.

Everyone who raises over $150 (or $75 for youth) will be given an iconic Coldest Night of the Year toque.

Squamish Helping Hands is celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2026. With the recent merger between the Squamish Food Bank and Squamish Helping Hands, the fundraiser is an incredibly important time to collect donations at a time of year when giving drops to historical lows and honour two decades of dedicated work to helping people in need in the Sea to Sky region.