CNOY falls short of goal as Fort Erie walks for brain injury support

Andrew Hawlitzky
March 2, 2026 at 4:39 AM

Shortly before setting out from Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) on Saturday, organizers of Fort Erie’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) confirmed they had fell short of their $50,000 fundraising target but had surpassed the $20,000 minimum required to host the event again next year.

The annual winter event in support of the Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie (BIAFE) funds weekday programs for local residents living with acquired brain injuries who often cannot access services outside town.

As of February 28, the BIAFE had only raised $24,424 or roughly 48 per cent of its goal, but that was before collecting any physical cash and cheque donations.

The association raised its goal by $20,000 after exceeding last year’s $30,000 target, but the BIAFE described a tougher climate for charitable giving as household costs rise from inflation and tariffs.

Walkers take off on the Coldest Night of the Year walk in support of brain injury survivors. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio

Organizers argue the larger issue is a shrinking safety net for brain injury survivors in Fort Erie, many of whom rely on disability income and lack transportation to Niagara Falls or St. Catharines.

Event director Jacob Schmitt, who also serves as BIAFE’s operations manager, told Fort Erie Radio before the walk that donations were still below the target but was happy with the generosity of the people who did show up and support the fundraiser.

“If it’s a goal we have to grow into, I’m comfortable with that,” he said.

Jacob Schmitt speaks to walkers at the Coldest Night of the Year starting line at Greater Fort Erie Second School where walkers would later return for hot refreshments and soup prepared by students. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio

Schmitt said the $20,000 threshold required by the national Coldest Night organization had been met earlier in the week. That figure allows the local association to host the walk again next year.

The walk registered 67 walkers across 13 teams with six volunteers, with Jessica’s Cold Night Crew, captained by Fire Chief Mark Schmitt, leading the scoreboard at $6,473.50. The biggest team totals included Betty’s Team at $3,830 and Mayor’s Cool Crew at $3,020.

Melissa Godwin, Brent Jones, Brenda Tyrrell and Steve Simkus from Fort Erie Radio were members of the Jessica’s Cold Night Crew team. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio

“I would urge you not to be discouraged by numbers on the leaderboard that simply cannot quantify the heart of Fort Erie,” Schmitt said to the crowd.

All funds raised through the walk go directly to client support, including first and last month’s rent, utility payments, medications, food cards and groceries.

The funds will also be used to sustain weekday programming for brain injury survivors from Monday through Thursday, which includes home visits, rides to medical appointments, help with Ontario Disability Support Program paperwork, and social and drop-in support.

Warmer weather made walking conditions favourable compared to harsher winter weather during the walk in 2025. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio

About 100 clients rely on the association for assistance with housing, food access and communication needs that affect their ability to attend medical appointments.

Treasurer Betty Talbot told Fort Erie Radio turnout appeared lower than last year and attributed the change to increasing financial pressure on households. She said the association’s clients face the same pressures but with fixed disability income.

“I think it’s a sign of the times. I think people are really hard up and it’s getting really hard for people to make ends meet,” she said.

The local Buffalo Bills Backers chapter also took part in the walk. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio

In Fort Erie, many people living with brain injuries cannot drive and cannot pay for rides to Niagara Falls or St. Catharines so they miss many otherwise routine services.

The BIAFE provides counselling and therapy referrals, transportation to doctors and lawyers, and assistance with paperwork such as income tax returns and wills.

Talbot confirmed that none of the funds will be used for the BIAFE’s operating expenses such as property taxes, utilities and salaries which are primarily covered through separate bingo revenue from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

Mayor Wayne Redekop addressed participants at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School and praised the Brain Injury Association for serving individuals and families across the community. “You’re the ones who give Fort Erie a good reputation,” he said. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio

The walk offered 2 km and 5 km routes beginning at GFESS and continuing toward Green Acres Drive and down Buffalo Road, with a post-walk gathering planned back in the cafeteria. Last year’s trudging over snow banks motivated Schmitt to get up early to clear the sidewalks along this year’s route, but he was happy to see that warm weather had already done the job.

Registration and donations remain open through the national CNOY website, and the BIAFE plans to build toward next year’s target after confirming the event will return in 2027.

Tags:Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie, Coldest Night of the Year, Fort Erie Fire Department, Fort Erie Radio, Greater Fort Erie Secondary School, Wayne Redekop

About The Author

Andrew Hawlitzky

Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"

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