As we draw nearer to Sleep Out: Home Edition, we want to take a quick moment to put the spotlight on one of the teams participating in this year’s virtual fundraising event.
On July 10, Team “Kids Helping Kids” will be giving up their beds for one night. In doing so, they will ensure that homeless youth can find a place of safety at Covenant House Vancouver. We asked their Team Captain, Angela Chase, a few questions about the team and why they decided to Sleep Out in support of Covenant House Vancouver’s Outreach Program:
Who is on your team, and what’s the story behind the name “Kids Helping Kids”?
Our team consists of families with one or more children under the age of 12. Our Grade 3 class chose the name in December 2019. At that time, our girls purchased knapsacks with essential items to give to the youth in the Female Crisis Program. Also, Kids Helping Kids seems to be a relatable name for the age and development of our girls.
Why did you choose to participate in Sleep Out: Home Edition?
In this time of COVID-19, Sleep Out: Home Edition was an opportunity to introduce our girls to the idea that not only do we need to donate our treasures (money) but also we need to donate our time to show we care.
Participating in the Sleep Out will help us explain to kids that there are youth in Vancouver who need our support. This is one small way of raising money to help support the program.
What’s important to you about the work Covenant House Vancouver does for youth experiencing homelessness?
The Outreach Program is vital to helping homeless youth. The way in which the Outreach Workers go out on the street and identify many youth in crises is a wonderful approach. They encourage them to join the program. From there, youth can access healthy food, warm beds and counselors who support them in all areas of their lives.
If you could say something to encourage others to participate in Sleep Out, what would you say?
We would encourage all families to take advantage of Sleep Out: Home Edition. It is a safe way for our younger kids to experience what many youth in crises have to deal with every day, before they are introduced to the Covenant House program.
We send our love and gratitude to the “Kids Helping Kids” team, and to all the amazing individuals and teams participating in our upcoming Sleep Out event. You can check out the full roster of participants here.
And, if you’re interested in joining in on the fun, you can also register now for Sleep Out: Home Edition.
We hope you’ll join us on Friday, July 10th!