Five University of Lethbridge students voluntarily became homeless this week. With the comforts of home far behind, these students spent five days outside raising money and awareness for the homeless. The students were participating in a charity event that began in 2005 by students at the University of Alberta. Since then the annual 5 Days for the Homeless charity event has raised more than $1.5 million across the country. Donations raised by the students are given to local charities.
With only a sleeping bag, a pillow and some cardboard boxes for comfort the money the U of L students raise will be donated to Woods Homes in Lethbridge. Woods Homes is a local shelter for homeless youth. They provide a place to sleep, showers, food and counseling services for youth that don’t have a home.
Stephanie Wickham is a University student who is participating in the event this year who grew up in Lethbridge. She says growing up she had a lot of friends who were kicked out of their homes. Many of them stayed at youth shelters in town. “Because I’ve been around it so much in my life, I really want to give back to the community that raised me, and really just help another person out if I can,” said Wickham.
She volunteered as a guest sleeper last year, meaning she only stayed out for one evening. This is her first year participating for the full five days. She’s maintained a positive outlook on the event. “We keep warm, and we have a whole bunch of layers,” she said.
Students participating are only able to bring a sleeping bag and pillow, they aren’t allowed to shower, bring their own food or have communications devices. Students are still required to attend classes during the event. Participants are also able to receive food donations. Wickham says not always having her e-mail on her has been one of the most difficult. She says it’s been challenging not being able to be connected.
Bob Boudreau, the Dean of Management at the University of Lethbridge volunteered as a guest sleeper on Monday night. He explains how it’s important for him to show his support. “It’s the students that inspired me. Our students do so many neat things over the course of the year in terms of volunteering,” he said. “It’s to raise awareness of what’s happening in our local community. Often times we go home at night and we don’t pay much attention to what we need to. Anything we can do to raise that awareness… That’s why we’re here.”
The goal for the students is to raise $10,000 for Woods Homes over the course of the five days. A portion of the money raised will be used to provide one more bed in the Lethbridge Woods Homes facility.
Participants are hoping that along with raising money they can help promote awareness regarding homeless issues in our community. “The aspiration is that what we do now, will make a difference to somebody’s life or lives in the future, and we may never know it, but we believe it. It’s about trying to make that difference. That’s why we do it,” said Boudreau.
If you would like to learn more about the fundraiser, you can visit 5days.ca.
Spirits remain high as volunteers live outside for the five days for homeless event at the University of Lethbridge (Stephanie Wickham, Izzie Brock, Andrea Kobbert and Jeff Oudman.)
