5 Days for the Homeless campaign returns - Concordia University and HEC
Montréal students sleep on the streets to raise funds for Dans La Rue

MONTREAL, March 11 /CNW Telbec/ - Concordia University and HEC Montréal alumni and undergraduate students will support the "5 Days for the Homeless" campaign by living homeless on their respective campuses for 5 days and nights between March 14th and 19th, 2010. The goals are to raise awareness to help underprivileged youths get back on their feet and to collect funds to support Montreal charity, Dans la rue.

Participants will have to sacrifice daily comforts such as taking showers, sleeping in a bed and accessing financial resources. They will also be expected to attend class and write any exams during the campaign.

Guest sleepers are invited to show their solidarity to the cause. Papineau riding MP Justin Trudeau and Q92 FM radio personality Aaron Rand will join the participants at Concordia on Sunday March 14th as they mark the event during the day at the corner of Mackay and de Maisonneuve W., and at night in front of the GM building (1455 de Maisonneuve W.).

This is the third consecutive year Concordia takes part in the fundraiser. Alumnus Joshua Redler, a 2008 and 2009 veteran of the campaign, will be among the participants this year. He described the process by saying, "Experiencing firsthand what it's like to sleep on the streets of downtown Montreal is a real eye opener. Not having a place to call home and not knowing where your next meal is coming from truly puts the homeless life into perspective, even if it's only for 5 days. We can all make a difference in our communities, even if it's a small contribution. If I inspire only a few more people to take the initiative, I feel I have done my part."

Over the past two years, nearly $74,000 was raised for Dans la rue. The overall success was made possible with the generosity of the Montreal community, media, and businesses. The organizing committee would like to invite Montrealers and the media to show their support for this worthy cause by making donations online (www.5days.ca) or directly to participants on the streets. For information on corporate donations please email [email protected].

Various events will take place on-site to increase awareness and funds for the cause. Collection bins will be placed at the Molson Building (1450 Guy) and at HEC Montréal (3000 Chemin de la Côte Ste-Catherine) to collect non-perishable food items and clothing for Dans la rue. Participants are counting on Montrealers to get involved in the campaign.

There are an estimated 30,000 homeless people on the island of Montreal and only together can we help fight the rise of poverty.

For further information: Josh Redler, Co-chair (Concordia University), [phone], [email protected]; Valérie Laforge (French media requests), Co-chair (HEC Montréal), [phone], [email protected]