Coldest Night of the Year 2025!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for CNOY 2025! Our Executive Director Cate Trudeau spoke prior to the event. Other speakers included Sonya Heyen (CNOY Event Director), Mayor Martin Ritsma, John Nater MP, Terri Sparling (one of Shelterlink’s founders), and more. With your incredible support, we raised $222,592 to help those in our community who are hurt, hungry, and homeless. Plus, Stratford placed 5th in Canada for the highest amount raised, what an amazing achievement! It was truly heartwarming to see our community come together, with over 500 people showing up in support to walk around the Avon River. Everyone enjoyed delicious soup from Soup Surreal and warmed up with hot chocolate and coffee from Features of Stratford. Our fantastic board and staff. For more photos, visit cnoy.org/stratford A message from our Executive Director, Cate Trudeau: “Thank you, Stratford, for another incredible Coldest Night of the Year! Over the past 10 years, we’ve watched this event grow in ways we never could have imagined. In 2015, we raised $14,334 with 7 teams and 62 walkers. This year, thanks to your support, we’ve raised $220,000 (and counting!), with an incredible 82 teams and 499 walkers. Since the event began in 2015, our community has come together to raise an amazing grand total of $1,061,804 (so far)! We are so grateful that year after year, you continue to show up for Shelterlink, the Stratford Connection Centre, and the youth in our community who need a safe, warm, and caring place to stay during difficult times.” L-R: Laurel (Assigned Housing Support Worker), Ann (Community Outreach Manager), Catherine (Shelter Services Manager), and Natasha (Post-Shelter Support Worker) If you’d like to read more about CNOY 2025, check out this article from StratfordToday: Coldest Night event raises over $220K for local organizations One of our lead sponsors, Core Fuels! We’d also like to express our thanks to our fantastic sponsors who make CNOY possible: Lead Sponsor: McDonald’s Stratford, Core Fuels Gold Sponsors: Stratford Orthodontics & Mark’s Stratford Silver Sponsor: Home Depot, Tri-Tech Pinnacle Group Bronze Sponsors: Black Creek Physiotherapy, Coventry & Mitchell Veterinary Services, Gotech, Home & Company Real Estate, Ideal Supply, Libro Credit Union, Malt Staging and Design, McDonald’s Mitchell, Peter Maranger & Associates, Romeo Optometry, Sinclair Pharmacy, Westlandyn Farms. Goods and Services Sponsors: Soup Surreal, Features of Stratford  

5 Easy Ways to Support Shelterlink This January!

5 Easy Ways to Support Shelterlink This January! January often brings with it a sense of renewal and the opportunity to make a positive impact. At Shelterlink Youth Services, we’re kicking off the new year with hope and determination to continue supporting youth on their path to stability. But we can’t do it without you! Here are five meaningful ways you can help us this January: 1. Purchase a Discounted Car Wash at Halo Car Wash Winter roads can leave your car coated in salt and grime, but we’ve partnered with Halo Car Wash to offer you an amazing deal to keep your car looking spotless! Get a Platinum Wash (normally $28) for just $20! Stock up to keep your car in pristine condition all season long, or gift some to friends and family. Plus, half the proceeds go directly to our organization, helping us to continue supporting homeless youth in our community. Get your washes here. 2. Donate Items From Our Wishlist The colder months are especially hard for youth experiencing homelessness. Donations of food, as well as new or gently used items can make a huge difference in their day-to-day lives! Right now, we have an urgent need for shoes (both men’s and women’s), new bras, new men’s underwear, and laundry detergent. Drop off your donations at our shelter (130 Youngs Street, 3rd Floor – open 24/7) or organize a collection drive with friends and family. Check out our full Wish List here. 3. Try a Karma Class at Modo Yoga Stratford Find your zen while giving back! Modo Yoga is offering special Karma classes every Friday at 5:30 PM this January. The proceeds from these donation-based classes will go toward supporting Shelterlink Youth Services. Stretch, breathe, and support a great cause! All levels of experience welcome. 4. Join Us for Stratford’s Coldest Night of the Year The Coldest Night of the Year is our biggest fundraiser event of the year! It’s an annual winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of Shelterlink and the Stratford Connection Centre. Let’s change the tune for people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness because it’s cold out there! Join us on February 22, 2025 – team up, fundraise, and walk with us! Learn more or sign up here. 5. Become a Monthly Donor Consistent support is crucial to sustaining the services we offer. By becoming a monthly donor, you help us plan ahead and ensure youth have access to the resources they need all year long. Even a small monthly contribution can have a lasting impact! Youth are the future of our community! Help them by donating here. Every Action Counts! Whether you’re donating, fundraising, or helping us spread the word, your efforts this January help create a brighter future for youth in our community. Together, we can ensure every young person has the chance to thrive! Thank you for joining us in transforming futures!