On one of the coldest nights of the year, you will find a group of young Rotarians camping out to help those who are forced to spend every night outside.
It is part of the Downtown Mission's "Coldest Night of the Year" campaign to raise awareness about mental health, addiction and homelessness in the Windsor area.
The young Rotary leaders, along with students from St. Clair College will wear just the clothes on their backs and sleeping bags when they venture outdoors Saturday night.
They will spend 12 hours outdoors, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
"The Downtown Mission is thankful for the friendship and support of the Windsor Roseland Young Rotary Leaders Group who will be hosting the Night of Awareness event," said Director of Development at the Mission, Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin. "We appreciate your help in spreading awareness of some of the struggles those experiencing homelessness or living in poverty might encounter."
Those who are taking part will ask people to donate to the Downtown Mission. A donation of just $3.11 can pay for one full meal from the soup kitchen.
"There are no easy solutions when it comes to the issue of homelessness in Windsor, but the first step to creating solutions to complex problems is creating awareness," said participant, Neil Pettit. "What we hope to do with the Night of Awareness is highlight the growing problem of homelessness in our city and hopefully contribute to fostering the political will to find the means to solve it."
The Mission is holding its annual "Coldest Night of the Year" fundraiser on February 23.
