Avid Readers (that’s right…avid!!),

For a day with not much scheduled it sure felt filled. Aside from a full

Story #1 - Rejection
I mentioned in my previous note that I was planning to attend a UBC Student Leadership reception to raise awareness about the cause. I showed up early with my guitar in hand to welcome the guests as they arrived with some music as well as a message.

The message on my guitar.

“Hi my name’s Conor. I’m Hungry… but so are over 800 youth in BC.
5days.ca/vancouver

Before playing, I went inside to check to make sure it would be alright for me to stand just outside the reception hall. It seemed as if the organizer of the event was about to give the “ok” when the manager of the restaurant barked “NO”. Even after the organizer went on to explain that I was the Commerce Undergraduate Society President and an invited guest, he still declined. It was no big deal, because I just moved about a block away, but the fact that he was so opposed to supporting the concept was the first run in I had with rejection so far…most likely not the last.

Story #2 - Compassion
We continued to receive a lot of food and funding today. People’s generosity for friends in need is quite inspiring. To have these experiences clashed up against the feelings of rejection only enhances the appreciation for when someone reaches out and cares.

My sister Sarah ran up from Kits to bring me some Chili. My girlfriend Lindsey scrounged up some Oranges from the UBC Rec Triathlon that happened this past weekend. A couple of the Fraternities on campus donated some left over dinner they had (mmm Shepard’s Pie). The T-Log Club dropped off some wraps and coffee (We Love You). My Dad showed up later, but I wasn’t there to receive his words of support and food (thanks anyways day). To have simple acts of affection like this really help all of us get through the day so keep it up.

Story#3 - Pursuit of Enlightenment
Just after dinner, a few of us were sitting near our cardboard pile and we started to get into a hefty discussion about our views on homelessness. We talked about what we felt to be some of the roots of the problem, as well as some potential actions that could be taken to effect positive change in Vancouver. I didn’t walk away satisfied with the discussion. We all could agree on certain element that contribute to driving people to live the streets. It then became pretty apparent that there are so many variables to consider in suggesting a solution that we found ourselves unable to make a simple recommendation. We’re going to continue the discussion throughout the week, and I hope that we’re able to come to a consensus on at least a couple action items. But only time will tell…

It’s approaching 3 am and I’m the last one holding the fort. My ass is numb and my legs feel damp. They say the raining is going to slow down…but as I’m signing off I here the pitter patter of rain start to pick up yet again…

- Conor

Tuesday Morning…right before posting. My body feels weak.

WOW!! Big Surprise… it’s raining in Vancouver.

This is a POV shot from this morning. Surrounded by puddles and garbage is a humbling sight.

I’ve realized that an alarm clock isn’t really required to wake up on time. All you need is the thousand and one construction projects going on at UBC to start bright and early in the morning and you’re good to go.Not really knowing what to expect from the sleep last night, I have to say that it wasn’t that bad. Aside from my sleeping bag having a broken zipper that doesn’t close, and waking up without my toque on and thus having a freezing head, we’ve all seemed to survive (even Boris who’s wearing lululemon pants) I never realized the importance of keeping my head well covered until now, but I’m making sure that I keep myself snug with my scarf, toque and hood.

Good Mornin’ World. I’ve got 2 more jackets on stand-by to keep me warm throughout the week.

Most of today is going to be spent indoors in a series of meetings. At 3:30, I’m heading to a UBC STudent leadership reception at the fancy “Sage Bistro” on campus. The invitation said “semi-formal”, but I’m sure torn gloves, sweat pants and a rain jacket will suffice. When class wraps up at 5:30 today, I’m heading back home to the bookstore to get ready for another damp night. Only now can I appreciate the years and years of my Dad nagging me to wear 3 extra jackets when going out.

One of my “roommates”…

I’ve gotten a couple emails saying that we were on the news. It’s good to see that the story has picked up so quickly. The guys from CTV who’ve come by a few times have said that they’re going to be coming by throughout the week to track our progress. If you’ve missed the clips, I’m sure you could leverage the beauties of the internet to find it online on CTVs website.It’s about 9:50am and all my homeless counterparts have gone off to class/study. It feels different to be out here alone. No jokes or smiles. I’m left to realize that without them around me, the realities of living homeless on the damp cement isn’t quite as fun as it was with the game of “go fish” before bed last night.Keep up the support and we really appreciate all the food from friends as well as the food (especially Pizza from PieRSquared from our Student Society: the AMS). Who knew pineapple pizza for breakfast could hit the spot just right.See you all online later.- Conor

Spare Change Plz” “Need Money for Food. Not Drugs.” “Spare Change?”

The world is a funny place.

I don’t mean that literally, but it is an expression that I and many of us use to label a problem in our world that we may or may not understand, but most likely find ourselves unable or unwilling to solve.

Although the “5 Days” concept was the brainchild of a few business students from the University of Alberta a few years ago, I think anyone who has taken a stroll past Hastings & Main after dusk could argue that the Vancouver Community is in much need of an increase in awareness and support of the ever increasing homeless population.

For those of you who don’t know, I’m going to be living homeless on the Vancouver UBC Campus for 5 Days. I will have no access to food, money, my home, a shower, a change of clothes, an extra coat. A few other Sauder School of Business students and I are going to be raising money for the Covenant House over the 5 Days and to top it all off, the forecast is for rain.

When I tell people what I’m going to be doing from March 9th - 14th, I can’t help but get a little excited about “how cool it’s going to be” and nod knowingly when others comment about “what a profound experience I’m about to have”. As true as both those statements appear, it feels a little perverse to be excited about living a struggle that many face every day. I, much like any tourist will arrive, experience the customs and culture for a week, then depart back to the pleasant bubble that is my reality.

I’m counting down the days…

Much like any “aid” work, I question the true impact. I’ve had friends describe various development projects that they’ve been on in Africa, and it’s amazing to see their passion come alive before they head off to make a difference. Although most come back changed as individuals, many question if they created a sustainable change in the project or area in which they worked. Did they even help at all? Is sending students out on monthly or semi-annual projects really going to change anything? Were they merely a tourist who built a home rather than took pictures of lions on a safari? I’m not here to argue the merits or long term benefits of aid or development work, but simply attempting to confront my purpose in participating in this cause.

I remember in Kindergarten. The concept of “help” was black and white:

“Conor, you’re not helping your classmates learn by talking all the time”

or

“Conor, thank you for putting away the blocks after playing with them”.

I’d like the think that because the issue of homelessness is localized, that the awareness and resources raised through this campaign have the potential to create some long term solutions to this dilemma. Funds aside, I believe the most important part of “5 Days” is to get students to stop and think. If anyone drums up the courage after contemplating the gravity of the situation downtown to act on their contemplation, then so bet it. To provoke thought and dialogue, is the very least I can do.

So next week, when you see me or any of the other “5 Days” participants, talk; with your friends, your profs, yourself. If you feel like you have an extra $5 to spare to support a great cause, you can do that as well, but as long as you talk I’m happy.

(Caption from CTV Press Release)

Faced with the prospect of not showering, eating poorly, and sleeping outside participant Conor Topley, 21, said he would be a little leery of attending classes in commerce, where students are typically well-groomed.

“We want to look the part. We’re not going to smell good,” he said. “This will not be cool for my personal life.”

Thanks for your support & love.

- Conor