Yesterday we shared information about the Toronto execs who will take to the streets in support of homeless kids who spend night after night laying their heads down on cold hard pavement.
And here in Vancouver, the homelessness situation is at the forefront of discussions, too. Our Downtown East Side alone has become one of North America’s most talked about neighbourhoods plagued by drug use, the sex trade, and poverty.
An estimated 700 street youth are living in Vancouver at any given time. Covenant House is the only youth-dedicated shelter providing food, shelter, clothing, and counseling to at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 24.
While awareness continues to grow with a number of noteworthy names supporting the now annual Sleep Out (Vancouver has almost hit their fundraising goal), we knew there was a reason the leaders and personalities of our community choose to support this initiative year after year.
Here’s what three returning young professional participants had to say about why they will sleep out on the streets once again:
Jason Sarai, Style By Sarai Founder/Catalyst Kinetics Acting CEO
“With only a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard, the annual executive Sleep Out provides a small and real glimpse of what it’s like to “sleep” on the streets of Vancouver. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of this night and raise awareness and funds to such a worthy cause and great organization.”
Jillian Harris, TV Personality, Love it or List It Vancouver
“It is a cause that I support with my whole heart. For kids that just didn’t get the same opportunities that we did, suffered through tremendous adversities and so badly want to ‘make it’. They work hard, they are coached, held accountable, and for many of them have a huge success rate in the program.”
Denai Johnson, The Beat 94.5 FM Evening Show Host
“I was fortunate enough to grow up in a stable, loving home. Unfortunately, not everyone is gifted with this same start to life. If I can give up the comforts of my warm bed for one night and sleep on the street so a local youth can have a better chance at life, I am more than happy to do so.”
It’s been colder than usual since last week. And tonight, it’s expected to rain.
With nothing other than a cardboard and sleeping bag, this group of will experience the extreme discomforts that many youth face – every single night of their lives.
And you should too.
#NOTABLE
Cover photo: istock.com/stuartrtaylor
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