From Cold Streets to Warm Hearts: A Decade of Walking for Inn From the Cold
Walking Through History: 11 Years of the Coldest Night of the Year Walk
Today is February 22, 2025, and this marks our 11th year participating in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) Walk. As I lace up my boots and prepare to step into the cold, I reflect on how this journey began and how it has evolved into something even more meaningful.
Back in 2014, my family and I walked for the first time—James was 12, Katie was 9, and Jack was just 5. That night, we joined hundreds of others, stepping into the brisk February air with a shared purpose: to support Inn From the Cold (IFTC) and those experiencing homelessness in our community. The sense of unity, compassion, and commitment in that moment was unforgettable.
Inn From the Cold has been a beacon of hope in Newmarket since its humble beginnings in 2004. First founded by Tom Taylor and sustained by decades of support from the Taylor family, the organization has continuously expanded its reach, responding to the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting the incredible volunteers and leaders who make this work possible, including Brenda Northey, whose unwavering dedication has strengthened the very fabric of our community.
A Journey of Growth and Impact
Looking back at IFTC’s journey, it’s clear that community action drives real change. The milestones speak for themselves:
2004: A warming center opened in response to extreme cold temperatures.
2010: A permanent facility was established at 510 Penrose Street, expanding services beyond emergency shelter.
2016: Ann Watson was appointed Executive Director and shortly after began the search for a new location for Inn From the Cold. With a focus on affordable housing and homelessness prevention, and 11 years of experience at North House, Watson is “eminently qualified” for the position, states the press release. Watson also worked at Dixon Hall Neighbourhood House in Regent Park and as assistant director at Red Door Shelter in Toronto.
2022: The "All Inn!" capital campaign launched with an ambitious goal of $2.5 million.
2023: Over $7.5 million in government funding secured for a new facility offering 44 beds.
2024: Temporary services continued at the old Operations Centre on Timothy Street, ensuring ongoing support.
2025: The opening of the new, three-story facility on Yonge Street—a monumental step forward in addressing homelessness in Newmarket.
Each step, each donation, each volunteer hour has brought us closer to a future where no one in our community is left out in the cold.
Why We Walk
The Coldest Night of the Year is more than just a fundraiser; it is a powerful statement of empathy and action. It reminds us that while we may only endure a few hours of discomfort, many face these harsh conditions daily. The funds raised go directly toward shelter, food, and essential services, making an immediate and tangible difference in people’s lives.
After every walk, we return to warmth—to hot chocolate, soup, and the comfort of knowing we made a difference. But for those experiencing homelessness, the struggle continues. That’s why we walk year after year, so that one day, everyone in our community can have a safe place to call home.
Join Us
If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to sign up for the Coldest Night of the Year Walk. Walk alongside your neighbors, raise awareness, and help us build a future where homelessness is not a reality in our community.
Visit CNOY.org to register or donate today. Together, we can keep the warmth of hope alive.
“You don’t have to save the world…you just have to make a difference.”