As the battle against homelessness continues in Quinte, you have a great chance this weekend to support people helping on the front lines every single day.
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winter fundraising walk in support of Grace Inn Shelter, Belleville’s only emergency shelter for adults.
It’s being held on Saturday, February 28th starting at Maranatha Church on College Street.
On Tuesday, they also announced that the lead sponsor for this year’s event was Elexicon, which donated $5,000. Their overall goal is $65,000.
RELEASE FROM GRACE INN –
We are proud to announce our Lead Sponsor: Elexicon Energy with a generous contribution of $5,000.
This leadership gift sets the pace for the 2026 walk and demonstrates Elexicon Energy’s commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals in our community. Their sponsorship provides critical momentum as teams form, donations grow, and the community prepares to step out into the cold in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness.
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winter fundraising walk in support of Grace Inn Shelter, Belleville’s only emergency shelter for adults. Each year, participants bundle up and walk to raise funds and awareness for neighbours who face some of the hardest nights of the year without safe shelter.
“Being the Lead Sponsor of the Coldest Night of the Year is an opportunity to stand alongside our neighbours, raise awareness of the challenges many face, and help ensure that no one in our community feels unseen or unsupported. Elexicon Energy empowers the communities it serves,” says Melanie Walls, Manager of Corporate Giving and Events for Elexicon.
“This year’s event is bringing even more sponsors and the community together with the shared goal of raising $65,000 collectively through sponsorships and walkers alike,” said Shauna Jenkins, Co-Director of CNOY Belleville. “Having Elexicon Energy step forward as our Lead Sponsor means so much to the walk — it sets the tone for generosity and leadership in our community. Along with Elexicon, we’re incredibly grateful for the support of so many dedicated community partners who are helping make this one of the strongest and most impactful Coldest Night of the Year events Belleville has seen.
“But truly, alongside sponsors, this event is only possible because of our Team Captains and all those who walk. Their commitment to fundraising, asking friends and family for support, forming teams, and showing up on a cold winter night is what drives everything forward. We’re already seeing incredible momentum — Sandra Williams is currently leading the way with nearly $5,000 raised for her team, which is amazing to watch. We’re also seeing some friendly competition in the community, with teams from Best Western and Holiday Inn going head-to-head in their fundraising efforts. That energy, that heart, and that willingness to step up for our neighbours experiencing homelessness is what makes this event so powerful.”
Alongside Elexcion coming on board as Lead Sponsor are Supporting Sponsors, Bel-Con Design Builders and Paul Reed Co-operators Insurance. Route and Rest Stops are provided by Mops Inc., Starbucks, Healthy Planet, and Quinte Home Builders Association. Food is generously provided by County Farm Centre, Chilangos, and McDowell’s Independent.
“We are so grateful to all of our community sponsors who make this event possible. This will be one of the largest Coldest Night of the Year events we’ve had yet, and we are also so privileged to have many volunteers helping to make the walk possible!”
Grace Inn Shelter is a 21-bed emergency shelter serving adults 18+ in Belleville. Beyond providing immediate shelter, Grace Inn offers systems navigation and mentorship support, helping individuals move toward stability and long-term housing solutions.
With the walk fast approaching, community members are encouraged to start or join a team, register to walk, make a donation, and encourage friends, family, and coworkers to participate.
Funds raised through the Coldest Night of the Year directly support shelter operations and programming, helping ensure that no one has to face a freezing night alone.
To register, donate, or learn more, visit the Coldest Night of the Year Belleville event page www.cnoy.org/belleville
Together, with the leadership of sponsors like Elexicon Energy and the heart of our community, we can turn the coldest nights into moments of warmth, hope, and action.
