Anyone who has stepped outside over the past few weeks knows that winter has arrived in Windsor.
And that means the 'Coldest Night of the Year' fundraiser is fast-approaching – a cause the St. Clair College Men's Baseball team is supporting this February for the Downtown Mission of Windsor.
"To us, it's an opportunity to give back to the community," said Head Coach of the Saints Baseball team, Tristan Bouchat. "The community always supports our team, and we want to pay that forward by supporting an organization which helps our community's most vulnerable people."
The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly two-or-five-kilometre fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $75 million across Canada in 190 different participating communities.
"By walking in the cold, you'll feel a hint of the challenge faced by those experiencing homelessness during winter," reads an excerpt from the Coldest Night website. "By fundraising, you'll be contributing much-needed money to a charity in your town that is bringing hope and help to people in your community who need support."
The Saints have signed up to participate in this year's five-kilometre walk on Feb. 28, 2026. The team has already raised more than $1,000 for the Mission and hopes to keep the ball rolling until the walk.
"Being involved with the Mission and helping people downtown is a great opportunity for our team, our College and to continue to give back," Bouchat said, noting this is the baseball team's off-season, but they're now getting back into the gym twice a week and looking to build more camaraderie amongst players.
"This is a good opportunity for team bonding, considering we don't have games in the winter semester. It's a good opportunity to get the guys together as a group, for them to continue to bond and grow as a team," Coach Bouchat said.
Players are also excited to work together toward a goal and help where they can.
"It's a good way to give back to the community and kind of get our team out there, get together as a team and do something good for others," added Ryan Querbach, the team's starting first baseman during the 2025 season, where the Saints claimed a silver medal at the OCAA Championship.
Bouchat is hoping other teams at the College take notice and join the baseball team for the fundraising walk.
"It's a way that other teams here within the school, including clubs and other groups, can all get involved and kind of support the cause together," Bouchat said. "The Mission is pretty vital to the city, and it's an easy way that we can all help out."
Thus far, the Downtown Mission has already raised $36,104, with a goal of $125,000.
"Every meal served, and every bed provided begins with someone choosing to care," said Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, the Executive Director of the Downtown Mission of Windsor. "When students get involved, hope multiplies! Together, we can change lives right here in our community."
"Thank you to the St. Clair College Men's Baseball team for joining in our Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser and challenging your fellow students to join in on the fun and compassion! God bless you all and we look forward to seeing you on Feb. 28th!"
Click to donate or take part in the event.
