Last night, a caring group of local leaders, influencers, and advocates came together with one shared purpose: to stand in solidarity with young people experiencing homelessness.
With only sleeping bags and cardboard for warmth, this group of 131 community members spent the night outside, to demonstrate that they care deeply and are committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth.
In doing so, participants also raised an incredible $327,252.31 (and counting!), which shattered our fundraising goal of $250,000, and proved that the spirit of caring, community, and philanthropy is alive and well in Vancouver! Special thanks go to our event match donor, Vancouver International Airport, who doubled donations, up to $50,000. We couldn’t have done it without all of you!
Community support could be seen around the city, in the form of beautiful blue lights, as iconic, local landmarks including Canada Place, Vancouver City Hall, Burrard Street Bridge, and the Vancouver International Airport Tower lit up, in honour of Sleep Out.
Tonight, BC Place joins this group of supporters, as they light up blue, in solidarity with Sleep Out and vulnerable youth.
An Investment in Mental Health
Every dollar raised by this year’s Sleep Out: Champions Edition will go toward Covenant House Vancouver’s mental health services. Thanks to the generosity of our Sleep Out participants and donors, the event will make a powerful impact, by helping to fund essential counselling, therapy, and emotional supports that give young people the tools to heal and build stable futures.
Nigel Bennett, Chair of our Sleep Out: Champions Edition Cabinet and ninth-time participant, expressed his profound gratitude, when addressing his fellow participants at the start of the night. “You’re all remarkable for doing this…it really means a lot to step outside your comfort zone for a night. I know it’s just one night, but it’s hard, and it’s giving up your time. I truly believe in giving of yourself, and there’s nothing more we can do as human beings than give of ourselves. Thanks everybody for showing up and thanks for putting yourself out there.”
Inspirational Stories from Youth
One of the most moving moments of the evening was hearing directly from three young people who turned to Covenant House for support. Former resident and now employee, Christine, shared what made the biggest difference for her during her time here.
“The genuine compassion. I remember it was a thing I had never experienced before. For someone that I don’t know to genuinely care about me and think about what I need in the moment; that resonated very deeply. I felt very respected, which was also a new concept for me. I did not know what it felt like to be respected or validated. So those core things I think are what stood out the most for me and are the things that kind of still inspire me today.”
Another youth panelist spoke about the benefits of the holistic mental health offerings at Covenant House and shared: “When you can breathe, you can hope.”
The third youth panelist spoke warmly of the connection and stability she found at Covenant House Vancouver. “Before Covenant House, I felt a stress and frustration about everything. Today I feel more stable, more confident and hopeful about my future. I have made friends here and found a new life experience.”
More Than One Night: From Experience to Advocacy
For many participants, Sleep Out is a deeply moving experience that sparks a lasting commitment. Some have been supporting this event for over a decade!
And while this year’s Sleep Out: Champions Edition has wrapped up, our work isn’t done! You can still contribute by donating, until March 31, 2026.
And if you want to take the next step, consider signing up for Sleep Out, in 2027. Together, we can continue to show young people that they are not alone, and that their futures are worth fighting for.
To everyone who participated, donated and promoted to this cause, thank you. Your support is changing lives.