All I can say is. . . this is one experience I will never forget. To summarize my experience of 5 days, I expected to battle the cold and the discomfort of sleeping outside for 5 nights, but here are a lot things I never really expected or was surprised at:
1. The schoolwork I handed in was damp from working outside and looked pretty unprofessionsal
2. The lack of energy and efficiency. I expected to be tired but not his tired. I also expected to be really efficient this week just because of the fact that I was on campus the entire week and would have much fewer distractions but that definitely was not the case. I just felt that I had no energy to work and could not concentrate.
3. I started to feel secluded from all of the other students just because I was constantly thinking about how I had been wearing the same clothes for the entire schoolweek and I was constantly worried about smelling bad.
4. The dirty looks people gave us, especially on the first day when our event wasn’t really advertised. The looks were hurtful and I basically had to say to myself don’t worry about it because you’re not actually homeless, but I couldn’t imagine being in the real circumstances.
5. I had anticipated that most of the food donated to us would be from people we knew but that definitely was not the case.
The two major themes or things I really thought about last night was the fact that we had a definitive end in sight and as was mentioned in the conference call last night, we weren’t actually living homeless, we were merely raising awareness. I had a difficult enough time trying to survive in the standards we were placed in and they were infinitely better than the environment of a true person in need. It has really opened my eyes to how difficult being homeless truly is.
Although it was tough at times physically and mentally to get through the week, this has truly been a positive experience that I will never forget. First off, I just want to say thanks to my fellow participants Jake and Noor for making these 5 days so memorable. The experience would not have been nearly the same without having you guys to experience it with. Also, a huge thanks to Rachelle, Lauren, and Kevin for making this event a huge success given the tight time constraints you faced. AWESOME JOB!!! Finally, thank you to everyone who donated the food, objects (blankets, gloves, scarves, etc.), and cash donations. A final tally hasn’t been done yet but I’m predicting we raised roughly $1500 to the cause and it would not have been possible without the support of people on campus. This is all going to a great cause and on top of that, hopefully we have raised a greater awareness to the cause throughout campus and although the 5 days may be over, hopefully the message will live on.
Ted Soepboer
Brock University
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
