What do I do with the cash and cheques I collect?

Keep them safe till WALK day - that's when you will present them with your pledge sheet during check-in.

What do I do if a cheque gets written out to me rather than the WALK?

Deposit the cheque in your bank account, then bring cash on WALK day, making sure you've recorded the donor name on your pledge sheet or online using the fundraising system. You can also pay the donation online with your own credit card in the name of the donor who gave you the cheque.

Do I sign a waiver form?

Yes, all walkers must sign the waiver during check-in. Walkers under 16 require the signature of a legal guardian (parent, teacher, youth leader, guardian).

What does the waiver form mean?

The waiver form means you understand the risk of walking in the event, that in the event of injury you release the event, the volunteers and the operators of the event from any liability and, should your picture be taken on WALK day, you release the WALK to appropriately use your likeness in any future publications around the WALK. Consult your own legal counsel for additional input should you have any questions.

When does the WALK begin?

The WALK routes open at 5 pm and all walkers must be away by 6 pm.

When do I check-in?

Check-in for ALL walkers opens at 4 pm and closes at 6 pm. Walkers should have their pledge forms and any cash and cheques filled out and ready to go when they arrive.

How long does it take to walk?

Depending on your fitness, the weather, congestion and ground cover, most walkers clip along at between 4-5 km/hour. So the shorter walk should take 60-90 minutes and the longer walk around 2-3 hours.

Do I walk with my team?

You normally would at least begin the WALK with your team, but depending on fitness levels and pace, you may end up spreading out along the route during the WALK.

What should I wear?

We expect cold temperatures and precipitation. Watch the weather online prior to the walk carefully. Layers of clothing are good since you will certainly warm up during a long walk. Gloves, a warm ear-covering hat, glasses even for wind protection and a water/snow repellent jacket (preferably with a hood) are all good choices.

Footwear is really important. If there is snow or rain you need to have water-proof boots or shoes. Gloves and a scarf are a good idea also. After all, it is a February WALK in Canada...

What about bad weather?

WALK officials will monitor temperatures during the week leading up to the walk. If the temperature is becomes extremely cold - so much so that the safety of our walkers is in question - we may shorten or suspend the walk to safeguard their well-being.

What do I do with my cash and cheques?

Enter all of the donor information online in your personal fundraising page under "Manage Cash and Cheques" (you can print that whole list out and bring with you on WALK day too!). Bring all cash and cheques made payable to Coldest Night of the Year with you. They will be processed with you at check-in.

Can I bring my dog to the WALK?

Although we appreciate your dog's eagerness to support the WALK, we would ask that Fido sit this one out. There will be a variety of children and adults who might be nervous around dogs (even friendly ones!) and we want to make sure every participant can complete the WALK comfortably. The exception to the rule would be service dogs, of course.