On February 25th, Ottawa will be walking for Jericho Road Ministries - brave the cold, wind and snow and join your friends and family while raising $25,000 for the hungry, hurting and homeless in our community.
Start/Finish Location View Google Map >
The Coldest Night of the Year starts and finishes at St. Paul's Eastern United Church, 473 Cumberland St., Ottawa, Ontario. There is pretty good parking at and around the church, but be sure to give yourself time to drive through what could be some late winter weather.
Registration/Check-In 4:00 pm
Registration opens at 4:00 pm. Walkers must bring in:
> All cash and cheques payable to "Coldest Night of the Year"
> Pledge sheet with all donor data filled out completely and neatly OR
> Post all pledges of cash and cheques online in your personal fundraising page and print off the "My Donor List" and bring with cash or cheques**.
> Bring a signed WAIVER FORM available online under TOOLS / FORMS on the main site
Note: walkers who raise $150 (adults) or $75 (youth 18 and under) do NOT have to pay the $25 registration fee.
Opening Ceremonies 5:00 pm
Route Closes 8:00 pm
We won't begin to send out walkers till just after opening ceremonies at 5:15. Depending on weather and sidewalk conditions we'll likely launch as one big surging group but within a few km's the pack will think out and the walking will be pretty good.
Lunch 6:01 pm
A post-walk chili 'lunch' is served between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. All walkers are invited to join us after to warm up, enjoy a bowl of chili, (perhaps a sweet or two), and a nice warm drink.
What to Bring/Wear
Who knows what the weather will be like on February 25th? It could be warmer than expected or cold and blowy. The key is to come prepared while keeping an eye on the weather channel. Bring good walking shoes/boots, hats, gloves, maybe a scarf and a wind-breaking jacket and sweater.
Lost + Found
A lost and found / welcome desk area will be set up so if you drop a mitten or scarf you'll know where to ask for it to start - and if you find some extra stuff lying around be sure to drop them in.
Route Details
Route specifics are still being reviewed and approved by staff and city officials. Check in later to see maps and routes posted.
Rest Stops
Rest stops will be provided at the 2.5 and 5km marks providing some shelter, some heat, a bathroom and some yummy snacks and warm drinks.
Route Safety
We will have volunteers at key corners and intersections pointing the way and cheering you on. As well, some friendly rest stop volunteers and support vehicles will be keeping an eye on everyone along the route.
Printable Maps: 
