By Sarah Klein
Stefano Grande, executive director of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, speaks during the CEO Sleepout at Portage and Main on Thursday, September 18, 2014. (TED GRANT / CHRISD.CA)
Sleeping arrangements for participants in Thursday’s CEO Sleepout in downtown Winnipeg. (TED GRANT / CHRISD.CA)
Business and community leaders spent the night outside in downtown Winnipeg Thursday to raise awareness and funds for homelessness.
The 4th annual CEO Sleepout raised $195,000 — just shy of the $200,000 goal.
“Homelessness is one of the greatest challenges that still exists in our city,” said Stefano Grande, executive director of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “Spending one night on the street is nothing compared to what an individual experiencing homelessness faces. This event is a public challenge to our politicians and corporate community to get involved, to work together, and to end homelessness.”
Participants took part in a series of tours throughout downtown, visiting nearby service agencies and shelters, in addition to hearing from many individuals with lived experience who had joined in on the evening’s activities.
Donations to the Change for the Better program can be made online and at collection boxes at participating venues downtown.
