We enjoyed a BEAUTIFUL day on Saturday, February 20 for our second annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser in Okotoks. The sun was shining and everyone was feeling the love as teams journeyed around town in their brightly coloured CNOY toques for this year’s socially distanced event.

Community Spirit and Social Distancing 

We are so very grateful for the generous support we received from lovely souls all around our AMAZING community, including many wonderful local celebrities who helped us raise awareness for this important event during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone from foothills country singer George Canyon to local councillor Ed Sands, our MLA R.J. Sigurdson and his wife Leanne, our MP John Barlow,  and local businesses including Acreage Development Solutions, Century 21 Foothills Real Estate and CIR Realty Okotoks. We also want to give a special shout-out to RBC in Okotoks for leading the way as our community sponsor- their generous support was appreciated even more at a time when we know so many local businesses are struggling with restrictions caused by extended public health measures during the pandemic.

CNOY 2021 by the Numbers

​In this year like no other, we are so grateful to everyone who contributed whatever they were able. A total of 61 walkers and 25 teams hustled to raise over $14,000 for BCO and the Okotoks Food Bank! 

Building a Legacy of Compassion and Hope
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Although we deeply missed being able to walk together to raise awareness for those experiencing cold, hurt and hunger across Canada, we couldn’t be more excited for CNOY next year! In the meantime, we will pay forward all of the kind support we received with warm meals and essentials for people who are struggling in our community. Together, we are creating a truly resilient legacy of compassion and hope, and we just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who got involved from the bottom of our hearts. Until next year Okotoks!

#CNOY21 #fundraiser

BCO is delighted to announce the official launch of our groundbreaking HeadStrong Program. This brand new mental health initiative is aimed at helping small business owners and entrepreneurs in the foothills of southern Alberta who may be struggling as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact emotional and mental wellness in all aspects of our lives.

Improving Accessibility to Mental Health Services in our Community

Our goal is to help the incredible people behind businesses at the heart of our community develop resiliency and coping skills to manage stress, and to empower them to lead the way forward to a healthier future for us all. 

The HeadStrong program is funded in part by the Government of Alberta, focused on supporting the mental and emotional health and wellbeing of rural Albertans who are in small or medium sized businesses or nonprofits. 

What Services Does the HeadStrong Program Provide and Who Qualifies?

Led by the Baby It's Cold Outside in partnership with Wellness Innovate, HeadStrong will provide counselling services free of charge to local business owners and entrepreneurs in the Foothills and Highwood constituencies. Services include group and one-on-one coaching programs, as well as individual psychological services available upon request.

How Do I Access Mental Health Services Through the HeadStrong Program?

To learn more visit www.headstrongprogram.com
To book a session, email us at hello@headstrong.com 
For immediate help, call 403-266-HELP

Team BCO is dusting off our parkas and winter boots, and getting ready to hit the pavement to help those in need. On February 20, we will be co-hosting our second annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraiser with the Okotoks Food Bank Association.

What is CNOY?
CNOY is a family-friendly walk that raises money for local charities working to help people experiencing homelessness, hurt and hunger across Canada.

COVID-19 and Public Health Restrictions
This year more than ever, CNOY is all about community- how we can work together (even when we can’t physically be together,) to help those in need. Due to current public health restrictions, CNOY 2021 will be held virtually in Okotoks, with all participants choosing their own routes to walk in town, either individually or in socially distanced teams.

A Legacy of Kindness and Charitable Giving
Last year, our inaugural CNOY event inspired over 120 participants to come together, demonstrating the resilience and compassionate spirit that makes our community such an amazing place to live. They walked a mile or two in the shoes of the hungry, homeless, and vulnerable, and in doing so raised over $15, 000.00 for local charitable initiatives led by BCO and the Okotoks Food Bank. This year we are building on that amazing success, increasing our fundraising goal to $30,000.00, with 11 teams registered so far and more joining every day.

How Can I Get Involved?
Visit www.cnoy.org to donate, register to walk or start your own team to join in some good-natured competition!

Together, we can make sure nobody gets left out in the cold!