Toronto builders co-operate to tackle homelessness

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Bruce Sonnenberg_Thank You

STAFF WRITER – The GTA Construction Report

On Nov. 19, PCL Toronto’s vice president and district manager Bruce Sonnenberg gave up the comforts of home to sleep on the streets of Toronto, with nothing more than a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard.

His second year sleeping on the street to raise funds for Covenant House Toronto, Sonnenberg joined other executives, including building and real estate leaders, connected with a common goal: to help tackle youth homelessness in Toronto. “For the estimated 10,000 homeless youth on Toronto’s streets each year, basic needs like food, a warm bed, and safe shelter are true luxuries. Instead of experiencing the joys of childhood that we may take for granted with our own families, these kids face life or death situations every day,” he said.

The evening of November 19 saw more than 1,000 business leaders across 16 cities sleep out to raise much needed funds for homeless youth across North America. Collectively, the group in Toronto exceeded their $1 million fundraising goal, with Sonnenberg surpassing his own $35,000 goal thanks to the generous support of construction industry partners, family and friends.

“The experience of participating in Sleep Out is not about pretending to be homeless. It’s about being thankful for the life I have been able to lead with my family, and humbling myself to be vulnerable for just one night. I am so grateful to everyone who supported this challenge, which enabled me to take part in this eye-opening journey. Together, our community still has a long way to go to provide these kids with the opportunity to move from a life on the street to a life with a future.”

Covenant House was founded more than 40 years ago with the mission to serve young people with absolute respect and unconditional love. It is estimated that there are at least 10,000 homeless youth in Toronto during any given year and as many as 2,000 on a given night. More than a place to stay, Covenant House provides 24/7 crisis shelter and a longer term residential program, along with comprehensive services, including education, counselling, health care, employment assistance, job training and aftercare.

For more information about Sleep Out: Executive Edition, and its participants, visit http://www.covenanthousetoronto. ca/homeless-youth/Sleep-Out-Executive-Edition.

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