When we last left our intrepid heroes, they were about to complete their 5 Days mission by attending the 5 Days closing ceremonies…..
For the last hour of the campaign, we were starting to clean up. Our home which we had built a week ago was being dismantled, transformed back into the concrete corner it started as last Sunday. I was sad that this experience was almost over. This entire week I went through a long list of emotions and thoughts. I was proud of what we were doing to raise awareness, frustrated we couldn’t do more, happy that I got to share this with some great people, and sad that while we would be back home tonight, others would still be suffering. Although what the four of us went through this last week is nothing compared to what someone would actually experience, it gave us a little more insight into just how tough things can be.
When 5 pm arrived I had not eaten for about 40 hours. I was exhausted, hungry, and emotionally drained. When I first started this campaign, I imagined how I would feel by the end, and after completing the week, I can honestly say that I definitely underestimated the effects. We were all about to pile into the Grad Pub for our closing ceremonies. Duff and Bob were about to leave so I made sure to say goodbye before we parted ways. These two definitely impacted me greatly. Their experiences are like nothing you could ever know about unless you were in their shoes. I am fortunate to have heard their stories, and shake their hands. Duff invited us all over to the cafe and the Working Centre where he spends his time. I think I will start going down there on a regular basis. Perhaps I can get the other participants and OC to join me.
Inside the Grad Pub I was met with smiling faces, outstretched hands, and kind words. The participants were completely transparent with our current state of feeling. I even received a hug or two from several brave souls who purposely forgot that I had been outside and showerless for a week (Thanks Sarina!). The four participants each moved towards their own group of friends, who came to welcome us back. Even though the four of us were in different parts of the room, I could see that we were each looking back at each other periodically. An unspoken bond that we will no doubt carry from now on.
The closing ceremonies began with a video of our exploits throughout the week. It was touching seeing us from the outside. Interacting with each other, inviting people into discussion, having fun, and expressing our feelings for the cause. Not going to lie, I started to tear up during the video, to watch an entire week of experiences over just a few minutes was very powerful.
After the video, Jennie and Justin, our 5 Days Coordinators said a few words. Good ol’ Jennie couldn’t hold back tears either. The participants were asked to come up next and talk about what we had learned. I wanted this moment of mine to be so expressive and poignant, heartfelt and powerful, however with everything that was happening, being hungry, overtired, and emotional overwhelmed me and I had a hard time putting a sentence together. What did I learn from this experience? That humans ARE decent people. And if the same love and support from our fellow students could be given by even just one percent of the population in total, we could make sure that no one would ever live on the street again.
Then we presented the cheque. We were absolutely floored to discover that we had received over $7,500 in donations! It was such an amazing feeling to know that the efforts of everyone in the Laurier 5 Days campaign, amounted to such a huge amount. The best part of all, was knowing that we were able to raise awareness of this issue to so many people around campus. Between just the participants, I am sure we engaged at least 100 people in discussion about homelessness and youth at risk. The money is always appreciated, but what I learned is that this campaign is really about getting people talking about the issue. Money is great, but if change is really going to happen, people need to start seeing things differently. Homeless are not problems, they are people.
After the closing ceremonies we went to clean up the rest of our “nest”. We moved all the wooden skids back to the dumpster and recycled all the newspaper and cardboard. After we were done, there was nothing left but a naked concrete corner. Although there was nothing there, I still felt an attachment to that place. The four of us stood there, not exactly sure what to do next. The 5 Days campaign was now officially over and there was no trace of our activities. After a few moments of silence, we parted ways, to start our reintegration with our lives.
As soon as I got home, the first thing I did was grab two beers from the fridge (thank goodness there were some in there) and jumped in the shower. I have never had such a great shower in my life. I have had some satisfying showers before, but this shower was almost a religious experience. I must have been in there for at least an hour. After, I fell into my bed and started to absorb the events of the past week.
So much had gone on over just 5 days. I felt changes inside of me that went right down to my core. I will never look at someone on the street the same way. I know this because just today, as I was walking uptown I was asked by someone on the street for some spare change. Without hesitation I reached into my pocket and gave him everything I had. Before all of this I might have thought about giving the money but come up with some excuse instead. I can see firsthand the success of this campaign. My perceptions have changed, and I can’t look at someone living on the street and not wonder what circumstances forced them there.
I would like to thank everyone for their support during this campaign. The organizing committee, Jennie, Janaan, and Justin, you guys were amazing throughout everything. Your dedication to this campaign motivated me to challenge myself beyond all comfortable limits. Alex and Emily, although I was awoken a few times too early for interviews, each one brought me a little closer to understanding the issue, you guys did an incredible job helping to get the message across outside of campus. David and Susan, you stayed up late to count the massive amounts of change donated everyday, and STILL came by afterwards to visit us! Abhishek, you did a great job getting the events together, thank you for letting us participants butcher several songs in front of such a large group of people. Aneesh, the grill master, I don’t know how you managed to get so many motivated volunteers organized, but it was nothing short of outstanding. To all the volunteers, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. You guys did a phenomenal job! Evan, and Jessica, our national team connections, you guys were great in keeping us energized in the campaign through your updates and hard work. Evan, it was nice to see you on an almost hourly basis 
although we were your source of procrastination, your passion for this campaign kept us focused and we appreciate everything you have done. Gray and your marketing team, Kelly, Michelle, Dragana, and Angela. Your handiwork was everywhere throughout this campaign and we would have been just four people huddling in the cold, ignored by all if it wasn’t for your efforts. Dan and Jeff, it was great to hear about your own experiences. Thanks for visiting when you could, we loved having you around. Tozzi, our mother hen, you kept us more then entertained everyday. Waking up to see you watching over us, albeit creepy, was still thoughtful and appreciated. Your energy level was certainly contagious. Lastly, to my peeps, my fellow participants, Splinter, Jeremy, and Michelle. Spending the last 5 days with you guys, under these circumstances, for this cause, has certainly brought us together. I am happy that we were able to get to know each other. I learned something interesting about each of you that I would never have known any other way. You guys have a friend for life in me. I hope we can all get together real soon and catch up. Even though it has only been a few days, I miss you guys already. You are all pure beauties. 4 Man wolf pack for life. Take care.
Well I suppose that is it then. I have written a mini-novel here about the last 3 hours of a 5 day ordeal, and I appreciate that you have read this much already. But in all honesty, participating in this campaign was probably one of the best things I could ever have done. It was an amazing opportunity, something I will never forget. Just because this campaign is over does not mean everything goes back to normal. I know Ill keep pushing for change and help with this cause where ever I can. A difference can be made. Help where ever you can.
Allie, you were in my heart this entire week. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Expect a call from me soon.
All my best,
Robb
I had a tone of fun with all of the amazing homeless peeps as well as our guests Erin, Travis, and Leon. Since it was snowing, I (am proud to say) that I lead the way in building a shelter/fort which was amazing btw, and to be honest I was too excited to sleep for a bit there, that fort prettymuch made my life. 