University students and politicians across the country are sleeping outside in frigid conditions this week in efforts to raise both awareness and money for youth homelessness.
The annual campaign, dubbed 5 Days for the Homeless, began at the University of Alberta in 2005 and has since exploded in popularity, having been adopted in 24 universities nationwide.
This year at the birthplace of the campaign, eight University of Alberta students are braving five nights outside from Mar 11-16, armed only with sleeping bags and cardboard “mattresses” in an attempt to raise $25,000 for Edmonton’s Youth Emergency Shelter Society.
“I didn’t realize how cold it got at night and I don’t think many people do, because usually we’re in bed in our warm houses. That was a learning experience,” says business student and event co-chair Kristiann McCool after spending her first night outdoors.
“It’s difficult as we don’t have the same resources as we usually do, like our laptops and a quiet place to study ... but I think that’s the struggle that a lot of the homeless youth in Edmonton have to go through.”
City councillors and university administration came out in full force to show their support and commend the students for their efforts.
Strathcona County Mayor Linda Osinchuk, Spruce Grove Mayor Stuart Houston, and U of A dean Joseph Doucet delivered warm words of encouragement at a ceremony in Edmonton on Monday.
“As university students you are the future of our society and I find it very inspiring that you’re reaching out to help your peers,” said Houston.
According to the rules of the campaign, students must be outside every night between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., are prohibited from having any money, food, or drinks unless food items are directly donated, and have no access to showers, but must attend all regular classes and extra-curricular activities.
