The U of A’s Business Students’ Association (BSA) tries to support students as best it can no matter where they call home. It also works hard to help those who don’t even have homes, even if all it can do is offer a helping hand through the Internet.
Just like everything else that the BSA has done this last year, its annual 5 Days for the Homeless fundraiser for Edmonton’s Youth Empowerment and Support Services is going to be an online affair. Typically, the intrepid group would set up tents on campus and do their fundraising while still attending classes. Ah ... but the pandemic put a wrench into those plans.
This year’s event runs from March 15 to 19 and those five days of 5 Days will still be sure to draw in a lot of virtual participants, the BSA’s public relations rep Keilin Morrison explained.
“During this time, we will be attending all of our classes, holding online fundraising events, and educational speaker series to educate our student base as well,” she explained.
Get your calendars out and plan ahead for such virtual events as a cooking night with a Red Seal chef, a hockey trivia night, and a paint night, which Morrison noted was all sustainable and offers some creative ideas just in case participants don’t have their own paint. There is also a night of speakers and another night with a panel on homelessness.
“We're really excited to make good use of the breakout rooms for the panel. Students and really anyone else who wants to join will have the chance to have breakout room time with those panelists to ask them more questions and get more involved and become more informed about homelessness.”
Look for prizes along the way as well.
5 Days for the Homeless started at the U of A in 2005, raising more than $2 million for YESS in that time. It has become such a popular phenomenon that more than 20 other universities across the country have adopted it in support of their own youth-centered agencies.
While there are still a few days until it officially kicks off with its events, the financial support is already pouring in through its website at 5daysedmonton.org. It’s already well past a quarter of its goal of reaching $20,000 in donations.
‘Web’top Campout still on
And speaking of virtual campouts ...
Members of St. Albert Firefighters Union Local 2130 have been working to fill the boot virtually in lieu of their regular annual Rooftop Campout campaign for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Things have gotten off to a much slower start than they’re used to, with only $1,500 already brought in toward their goal of $10,000. Typically, they easily surpass each year's goal of $40,000. Please visit filltheboot.ca to send your donations.
The local team has been on this bandwagon to help Canadians impacted by neuromuscular disorders since 1971, raising $464,800 in that time. Those funds go toward Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s efforts to provide programs and services such as providing emotional support, supporting grants for research initiatives to find a cure, and funding essential equipment. This last year, it has worked even harder for its clients with more complex issues because of COVID-19.
The campaign continues until the end of March.
