DeGroote students go homeless to raise awareness
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/homeless-students1.jpg” caption=”DeGroote Commerce students Robin Kwan and David Millar try to get some sleep outside the MUSC. Photo by Susan Bubak. Below, Nicole Browne, Scott Moros, Robin Kwan and David Millar are going homeless to raise awareness of homelessness in our community. Photo by Julia Thomson.”]How many times have you walked past a homeless person sitting on the sidewalk without looking at him? Have you ever done it on the McMaster campus?
This week, four Commerce students from the DeGroote School of Business are living “homeless” on campus for five continuous days. Their goal is to raise awareness of homelessness within the Hamilton community and to fundraise for two local charities: Living Rock Ministries & Good Shepherd Centres.
While attending all of their regular classes and completing all of their academic responsibilities, these students will be sleeping outside, have no disposable income, and consume food and drinks that have been received from donations.
“As Commerce students at McMaster University, we often take for granted many of the things we are privileged to receive. Having a place to call home and food to provide us with nourishment seems innate to many; yet, there are still people who are without a home and struggle daily to provide themselves with basic necessities to survive,” says project manager Devon Donaldson.
The ParticipantsDavid Millar (DCS President 2007-2008) “I think 5 Days is an amazing campaign because, as students, we take for granted the great situation we are in. We forget how lucky we are and sometimes forget those in need. This is an opportunity to give back to the Hamilton community and raise awareness on the McMaster campus.” Scott Moros (DCS President 2008-2009, VP External 2007-2008) “Excuse me. Can you spare some change?” I have probably heard this phrase thousands of times; I just never thought for once that I would be the one asking. What I plan to take out of this campaign is a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by the homeless, and an experience that I can use to become an advocate for them.” Nicole Browne (DCS VP Finance 2007-2008) “I feel so fortunate to be participating in 5 Days, but I am also really scared. I know we aren't going to be facing challenges anywhere near those of people who are actually homeless, but I'm sure it will still be a difficult time for all of us! I am really participating in this event because of the importance of the cause and the potential for awareness that this event brings.” Robin Kwan (DCS 1st Year Representative 2007-2008) “The reason why I am participating in 5 days for the homeless is because I think it is an experience that will create a mass amount of awareness of this issue across campus. I know that it will not be easy, as I expect weather and hunger to be the hardest challenges to overcome.” |
The students particpating in 5 Days for the Homeless at McMaster will be outside the Student Centre (MUSC) in the corner location between Titles Bookstore and Williams Coffee Pub. Throughout the week, participants must:
1. Remain on campus at McMaster University from 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 9 until 3 p.m. on Friday, March 14.
2. Have no disposable income. The only source of money for them will be from begging and from collecting cans and bottles.
3. Have no access to food or drinks. The food they consume can only be received from donations.
4. Have a pillow and blanket which can be exchanged for an emergency meal, if necessary.
5. Have no access to the showers which their student access card would normally get them into.
6. Sleep outside and not in a university building. The only exception is if temperatures are so low that their health is at risk.
7. Attend all of their classes and complete all of their academic responsibilities, including student organizations and teaching positions.
8. Post their experiences on a blog daily.
Donations can be made at the donations booth, which will be available during the five days in the DeGroote School of Business (DSB) lobby; the participants' living space outside Titles/Williams Coffee Pub and volunteers will also be visiting homes of the Westdale community for charitable donations. Direct deposits may also be made to TD Bank account 0346 5215763.
