For the second year in a row Vancouver Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi and son Ryan, athletic events, marketing and sport development officer in Capilano University's department of athletics and recreation, have agreed to spend a night battling the elements in downtown Vancouver to show their support and solidarity for local homeless youths.
The duo is set to participate in the second annual fund-and awareness-raising Sleep Out: Executive Edition, organized by Covenant House Vancouver, Nov. 21. Covenant House serves approximately 1,500 homeless youths annually through its crisis shelter, street outreach and longterm housing programs. The Sleep Out initiative will see the Lenarduzzis, both North Vancouver residents, and 28 other local executives, public figures, donors and celebrities (Mark Brand, Jillian Harris, Rebecca Bollwitt and Riaz
Meghji included) spend the night outside. Given only sleeping bags and pieces of cardboard, the experience is intended to help participants see for themselves what many people struggling with homelessness face on a nightly basis.
Last year's Sleep Out raised $245,000, enough to fund 22 nights of shelter in Covenant House Vancouver's crisis program for 54 youths. This year's goal is to raise $270,000.
The local Sleep Out is one of 13 being held in North America this month. Last year, participating cities raised $3 million in support of Covenant House's programs.
To make a donation, visit covenanthousebc.org.
