On Feb. 22, SMUS students will brave the winter chill to walk five kilometres in support of Victoria’s most vulnerable. The SMUSWalks Team is participating in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), a nationwide fundraiser aimed at addressing hurt, hunger and homelessness in local communities. All proceeds from the event will go to Our Place Society, a Victoria-based organization that provides essential services like meals, shelter and support to those in need.
With a team goal of raising $3,000 the SMUS community is rallying to surpass last year’s $2,500 contribution. But for these students, the event is about more than just fundraising — it’s about standing in solidarity with those who face the harsh realities of homelessness every day.
A Season of Service
CNOY isn’t just a one-day event for SMUS — it’s the culmination of weeks of creative and impactful initiatives designed to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
Last month, the school kicked off its efforts with a Service Council Coffee and Baked Goods Drive, where students sold coffee and treats to raise funds for childhood cancer research.
The excitement continued with the Bundle Up Day on February 12, a lively event that brought together art, warmth and community spirit. Students wore their winter gear — toques, scarves and mittens — to class to show solidarity with those facing homelessness. At lunch, they donated gently used winter clothing, ensuring someone in need would stay warm this winter.
Bundle Up Day also featured an Art Battle, where talented SMUS artists competed in two rounds of live painting. The resulting artwork was available for sale. Meanwhile, the Staff Cookie Challenge offered a sweet incentive: participants could buy a 10-punch card to sample cookies baked by staff members and vote for their favourite. The winning baker received a Howard Cafe gift card, adding a fun, competitive twist to the fundraising efforts.
These activities highlight the broad culture of service at SMUS, where students are encouraged to engage with their community and make a difference.
Student Perspectives
Homelessness is a growing issue in Victoria, and organizations like Our Place Society are on the front lines, offering critical support to those in need. CNOY is a symbolic event, with participants walking in the cold to raise awareness and funds for this cause.
For Elizabeth Hardcastle ’27, participating in the CNOY is deeply personal. Having grown up in Vancouver and now living in Victoria, Hardcastle has witnessed homelessness throughout her life.
“When SMUS had the volunteer fair and there was the opportunity to volunteer, I thought it would be a great chance to get out into the community and make a difference,” said Hardcastle, who also volunteered last year, helping walkers and soaking in the positive atmosphere.
“It was really great. All the volunteers were super positive and there was a choir singing at the end. It was such a cool sense of community," she said.
Hardcastle volunteers regularly at Our Place Society, where she helps in the dining room, interacting with patrons and cleaning tables.
“Just giving a plate to someone and putting a smile on their face — it really feels like I’m making a difference,” she said.
For Jane Lee ’27, who has been involved with Our Place Society and the CONY since her first year at SMUS. Inspired by her (Timmis) Senior Houseparent, Elisha Gardiner, Lee began volunteering and quickly found her footing.
“At first, I was nervous. I didn’t really know how to interact with people experiencing homelessness,” Lee said. “But as I kept going, I got more used to it. Now it just feels normal.”
A Night to Remember
As the sun sets this Saturday, the streets of downtown Victoria will come alive with the footsteps of hundreds of walkers, united by a common goal. For the SMUSWalks Team, it’s a chance to make a difference, to stand in solidarity with those in need and to show the power of community in action.
So, grab your toque, lace up your boots and join the SMUSWalks Team as they brave the cold for a cause. Together, we can make this the coldest — and warmest — night of the year.
