Two very different but creative projects started this weekend. However their goal is the same -- to raise money and awareness for the less fortunate in Waterloo Region.
Wilfrid Laurier students vowed to live for five days outside on campus. The nationwide campaign, called 5 Days for the Homeless, also involves personal sacrifices. They can only eat what's donated to them, and there are no cell phones or showers. Students are only allowed a pillow and a sleeping bag. They are required attend their classes and write about their experience living outside.
"We don't realize that there are students like us who come to class every day and have to bring all their equipment but then don't have a place to go at night," said participant Janaan Dibe.
Donations raised during the week-long event will go to two youth shelters in Waterloo Region.
Kait Drury, Public Relations Manager for 5 Days for the Homeless, says students get a bad rap. "There's so many stigmas and so many stereotypes about youth not caring about other youth and not caring about what's going on in the world. I think this sort of breaks that stereotype."
At Conestoga Mall in Waterloo, another group was involved in a major construction project. Called Canstruction, teams of architects, engineers and designers worked together to build with canned food. Shoppers at Conestoga Mall can make donations, and vote for their favourite Canstruction.
"It takes a community to help a community," says Canstruction participant Shari Muscat. "We're all valuable… in helping those in need."
