Ottawa
Illinois Valley PADS
149 Walkers|24 Teams|7 Volunteers
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities. 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!
2025 CNOY Photos
Thanks to all of our amazing volunteer photographers! If you've got CNOY Day photos or videos you'd like to share, contact photos@bluesea.org.
About Illinois Valley PADS
Join Us for the Coldest Night of the Year – February 22, 2025
Illinois Valley PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) provides transformative programs, resources, and advocacy for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam counties. Again this year, we're partnering with Coldest Night of the Year USA, a family-friendly winter walk that raises funds and awareness for people facing the harsh realities of life without a home.
On February 22, 2025, we'll gather at Jordan Block in Ottawa, Illinois, and walk a one-mile route going north on La Salle St., crossing over Canal Towpath and back down Columbus St., symbolizing the journey our neighbors in need endure every day. Together, we'll shine a light on homelessness while raising vital funds to help IV PADS continue to offer dignity, respect, and support.
Be part of something meaningful - We forming 27 teams to walk and fundraise. Start a team, join a team, or support a walker to help us reach our goal and make a difference. Sign up or learn more at cnoy.com/location/Ottawa
Ottawa Scoreboard
Are you thrashing the competition (for a good cause)? Find out here! Stats are updated every 15 minutes. See how you stack up on the national scoreboard >
Top Challengers
Got a big-hearted business, workplace, group, church, or community? Step up and join the Challenge to compete for your local pride in support of CNOY. Check the National Challengeboard to see more!
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 22, 2025!
Start/Finish Google Map
101-123 W Main St, Ottawa, IL 61350, United States
Walkers will gather at the Jordan Block in Ottawa. They will follow the route, which is as follows: One-mile walk starting and ending at the Jordon Block. The walk will begin going north on LaSalle Street up to the Canal Towpath. It will turn right at the Towpath and continue to Columbus Street turning south back down to the Jordan Block. There will be two warming tents with soup and hot drinks after finishing the walk at the Jordan Block. There will be a midway point for those who need to get warm or rest.
Schedule
- 4:00 pm: Meet Check-in
- 4:45 pm: Muster Gather for Opening Remarks
- 5:00 pm: Move Send-off
- 6:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 7:00 pm: Mosey Goodbye + see you in 2026!
Not able to join us in person at the Main Event? We hope you'll register, fundraise and walk offsite with friends and family.
Route Details
- Route Distances: Check out the maps below to see where we will be walking.
- Rest stop: Keep an eye out for opportunities to rest and refresh with yummy snacks along the route.
- Signage: Routes will be well-signed with our bold blue CNOY signs.
- Route Support: Route marshals, rest stop hosts, and support vehicle drivers provide support along the route.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- No Pets: We love our little furballs like you do, but pets are not permitted at the Coldest Night of the Year except for approved and trained service animals. Read more about our pet policy >
Check-In
- All walkers participating at the Main Event on Saturday, February 22, 2025 must check-in upon arrival.
- Toques! Fundraising walkers who raise $150+ (or $75+ for those under 18) will receive a CNOY toque as a thank you on event day, while supplies last.
- Offsite fundraising walkers can contact their local event director to arrange toque pickup the week of the event.
Have questions? Visit the FAQ section!
Handling Money
- Credit Card: The Best Option! Simple, secure, automatically tax receipted for gifts of $20+. Visit the Donate page, share your personal page link, or have your donor call the CNOY Head Office.
- Checks: The Old Faithful - made out to Coldest Night of the Year with your name on the Memo line. Mail them to CNOY Head Office along with your completed pledge form.
- Cash: You have 2 options:
- 1. Login to FundHub, click “Enter $$ and Checks,” create pledges for your cash donations, pay them off with your personal credit card, and keep the cash. OR...
- 2. Write a check (made out to “Coldest Night of the Year”) for the total amount of cash you’ve collected. Mail it to the CNOY Head Office with your completed pledge sheet.
Waivers
All participants must register online and accept the electronic waiver.
- Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.
- Youth/Children under the age of majority need a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
- An online form will be emailed to all parents/guardians before CNOY Day.
- You may also bring a filled-out printed waiver.
- Waivers will also be available at check-in on CNOY Day.
What to Bring
A few common sense suggestions:
- A cell phone for emergencies (recommended but not required)
- Good waterproof shoes/boots for walking
- Warm coat and mitts/gloves
- Extra snacks if you have allergies or food sensitivities
- Your own water bottle
- A passion for the charity you're walking and fundraising for!
Ottawa Maps
Check out this year's CNOY route maps below:
Start at Jordon Block. Go north on La Salle St., to Canal Towpath. Turn right on Canal Towpath and continue to Columbus St. Turn right on Columbus St and continue south back to Jordon Block.
Contact Us
CNOY Ottawa 2025
The CNOY USA Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email ottawa@cnoy.com