As need rises, Kingston rallies behind Lionhearts for Coldest Night of the Year 2026

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

On Feb. 28, Kingstonians will be braving the cold to help provide relief to those experiencing hunger and homelessness.

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY)  is an annual nationwide winter fundraising walk, with proceeds supporting local charities. Since 2011, CNOY has taken place across Canada in 190 communities.

In Kingston, the fundraiser supports Lionhearts, which is aiming to raise $65,000 this year, up from nearly $50,000 raised in 2025, as demand for support services continues to rise.

Listen to the full story here, where CFRC sits down with Lionhearts CEO Travis Blackmore to discuss how this year compares to past walks, growing need in the community, and what Kingston walkers can expect.