One last night and then it will be all over. . . and of course tonight has to be the campus bar night so it should get interesting at about 1 in the morning. As the event winds down I’d just like to say that it has been very difficult at times to merely raise awareness for the homeless, I could not even imagine what the real thing is like. Its definitely changed my view of being homeless and that is what I think the point of this is all about. Thank you to everyone who donated (food and cash), you have been awesome and have truly made a difference. Those generous people have made these last five says very worth it and I hope this is an event that Brock continues to support for years to come. Also, it was great to talk to all of the different participating schools during the conference call, it is nice to hear that most if not all of the other schools had as great of an experience as we did.
Goodnight and enjoy your last night everyone,
Ted Soepboer
Brock University
We are mere hours away from day 5 and that has to be a relief for my classmates who sit near me. All I have to say is that I cannot wait to take a shower. One of the many themes that keeps popping up is the fact that it’s easier for us participants to do this just because of the fact that there is an end in sight for us. I couldn’t imagine not knowing when this this going to end or where I would be sleeping the next night. Another topic that has kind of surprised me is the amount of food donations we have been receiving. I guess the majority of people find it much easier to donate to students who are trying to help the homeless then to donate to the source itself. I know I would be in the exact same position if I wasn’t participating and its unfortunate that it works this way. The forecast is calling for rain tonight but hopefully it will stay away for one last night. I’d also like to give a special thanks to campus security for the generous donation we received, it is much appreciated. Well, off to class.
Ted Soepboer
Brock University
Woke up this morning to find my boots full of snow lol. Apparently it had snowed a little more through the night. I managed to stay dry though which was nice cuz the wind has picked up a little bit. Today is my busy day of classes so we’ll see how it goes. I’m definitely feeling like I have less energy from the less than ideal nights of sleep and im really starting to notice my hygiene. I’ve been told I don’t stink as of yet but I find myself constantly wondering if I do when I’m in a crowd. A quick thanks to Jen and her roomate Rachel for donating the Tim Horton’s this morning, it is nice to have a little pick me up to get the day going.
Ted Soepboer
Brock University
student support in the way of food and coffee has been a little overwhelming. we’re now actually turning down mcdonnalds and timbits because we don’t want food going to waste. now, if we can just raise some more money…
the parents of a participant from guelph, mike holden, just came by with warm soup and orange slices. it was fantastic. we had a nice chat about 5DFTH and the similarities between our expereince and guelph’s.
can’t wait for a hot shower tomorrow!!!
Jake Morrison
Brock University
Last night got a little damp but we all still seemed to sleep alright. We had another great day of positive reactions, not just from the students, but even the profs which is always nice to see. The food donations have been incredible and a quick thanks to Lara for the cookies she supplied. If any profs gander at these blogs, were are still looking for a professor willing to spend a night out in the cold with us.
Goodnight everyone,
Ted Soepboer
Brock University
this morning we woke up at 8AM with a layer of frost on our sleeping bags - thick enough that it cracked when i got up. judging by the weather forecast it looks like the coldest nights are over. tonight our campus pub is holding an indie night with ticket proceeds going to 5Days.ca Hopefully we’ll get a good turnout. We were well fed today by people making comments such as, “I made chili for you. I feel bad because I couldn’t possibly make enough for all the homeless people in st. catharines, but you guys really got me thinking about them…”
Jake morrison
Brock University
Awesome day…Everyone has started to know our purpose and goals…We have raised a small amount of money but their greatness is simply inexplicable…Thanks to all of my classmates for the food and Kevin and Ash for the pillow and blanket.
Noor Mufti
Brock University
Well, the first day is over and I have to say I was totally blown away by the great response we received from a lot of the students on campus today. Even just to see some of the looks on their faces at how shocked they were to see us living and sleeping outside. Seeing something like that really helps to get the message across. A quick thanks to Tyson, Bryceson, Heather, and Danielle for donating the drinks and food today that was awesome. Its going to be another chilly night but its supposed to warm up a bit after tonight so we just have to suck it up for another night. I’m looking forward to seeing how the interviews with the Welland Tribune, The St. Catharines Standard, and Cogeco are going to turn out.
Ted Soepboer
Brock University