Homeless away from home
Steve Woodhead
Issue date: 3/18/08 Section: News
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As part of the 5 Days for the Homeless program, Noor Mufti, Jake Morrison and Ted Soepboer lived and slept outside last week, from March 10-14, to raise money in support of homeless youth. The program was originally started by the University of Alberta, and has since spread to nine different cities across Canada.
Brock's Business Students Association (BSA) took up the challenge this year to bring the event to campus. Noor Mufti, one of the three business students who subjected themselves to the experiment in the name of charity, said that they wanted to help others see the business community in a different light.
"There's a general perception of businesses that says we only care about profit and not about the community," said Mufti. "So this is a good way to show that we want to be a part of the community first, then pursue business."
Mufti and Morrison admitted that the experiment had not been easy going, nor had they expected it to be.
"We were provided a sleeping bag and could bring a pillow, but everything else had to be donated," said Morrison. "At night it's not too bad, but there's that morning fog, and you can feel it in your lungs when you breathe in."
Mufti also felt that the weather took its toll.
"The first couple of days were really a problem, because I've never slept in a sleeping bag before. The concrete floor was pretty hard and cold, that's the main issue."
One of the most startling experiences, said Morrison, was how he interacted with other Brock students during his time being homeless.
"I'm actually glad I've done this," he said, "because I've felt the embarrassment of people looking at us as we live outside. I ... felt like I was in a homeless person's shoes for a few days."
"So many people here have parents that pay for schooling - they don't have to get a job or anything. We're doing this for homeless youth primarily, so imagine someone the same age as you who doesn't have that kind of support ... it's pretty horrible."
Mufti said that the BSA had set a fundraising goal of $2,000, and that as of Friday they had raised approximately $1,500.
"I woke up this morning and found five bucks in my boot," said Mufti. "It was like Christmas morning. I was really surprised that someone would do that. The Tim Hortons by the Tower has been really helpful, faculty members, every single person at Brock really."
"It's amazing to see some students, who live on campus, have been swiping their (DCB) card twice and bringing us the extra meal."
Both Mufti and Morrison were grateful for the level of support, and confirmed that the project will likely be held on Brock campus again next year, with hopefully even more exposure and an increase in donations.
Though the act may seem largely symbolic, Morrison emphasized that it was a worthy endeavour.
"Some people have [been critical] of what we're doing, saying that there are better ways to go about it, but I think it's pretty bold to sit outside for five days. We're trying to show that we're committed to a cause - it's people helping people."
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