by Pascale Newry
With more than 300 people sleeping out and a grand total raised of over $149,000, the 2015 Youth Services Bureau SleepOUT for Youth was a phenomenal success! It was the first year that Jaku Konbit was involved and we formed a part of Team Caribbean Connection. On Thur. Nov. 19, we were ready to brave frigid temps and had prepared ourselves mentally for cold rain, muddy grounds, clammy skin and general discomfort. Those of us who volunteered to do this were committed (and probably should have been too!). We set up our tents in this inclement weather, but the rain slowed off and the temperatures stayed steady and mild. It turned out to be a beautiful night. The organizers did a great job setting up a couple of bonfires, a band, a photo booth, plenty of food and late night snacks and lots of good company. We felt quite comfortable and safe on this overnight adventure.
That evening, some compelling speeches were presented on homelessness. We were able to meet a few successful folks in the community who had the misfortune of being homeless when younger, but who were able to turn their lives around. There were many professionals from the community who came out to lend their support as well as those who knew someone who had been on the
streets. In a small way, we briefly experienced the discomfort of sleeping outside in the cold. Personally, the impact was powerful.
We sincerely appreciated those brave visitors who actually came and spent time with us in the cold…BIG ‘shout outs’ to Paula, Blaine Edwards “Sweet Tunes”, Antoinette and Donna. We are grateful for the many donations received from friends, family and colleagues. A special note of thanks to both Rachel Hammer Real Estate and Dexter Dedier for the tent donations, Sebastian Guy for putting up the tents (and for putting up with us), Curly Hair Designs and Paula Whitelocke, and her Mum, Martha Whitelocke who provided us with ‘plenny hatt’ cocoa tea, and Suzan Lavertu and The Cultural Arts Studio School of Afro-Caribbean Dance. Thank you all! This was urban camping at its best and a good opportunity to raise awareness about homelessness. For those of you with an adventurous spirit, consider joining in on the action next year!
Acknowledgement: The flags, posters and booklets highlighting Jamaica were donated by the Ottawa office of the High Commissioner of Jamaica.
About the writer
Pascale Newry is a volunteer with Jaku Konbit involved in many capacities including volunteer and event coordination, the Saturday Basketball Drop-In Program and the monthly newsletter. Well-travelled, bilingual and with a professional background in project and event management, Pascale has that type of enthusiastic personality always looking to support a good cause and have fun at the same time.”