Saskatoon, SK, March 11, 2012 – From March 11^th until March 16^th, five students from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan will give up the comfort of their own home and basic necessities to live “homeless” on campus for five full days with only the clothes on their backs, a sleeping bag, and a pillow. The homeless participants will stay on campus collecting donations of food, clothing, and money for EGADZ, while raising awareness of the severity of homelessness and youth at risk in Saskatoon. They will survive strictly and rely on donations from friends and strangers, and each student must live by the rules set forth by the national 5 Days for the Homeless committee, while carrying out their daily educational and extracurricular responsibilities.

This marks the 5^th year of the campaign in Saskatoon with over $60,000 raised, along with sizeable donations of clothing and non-perishable food items. The 5 Days for the Homeless campaign was created by three University of Alberta students seven years ago and has now grown into a national event with over 20 universities across Canada who will participate. The purpose of the 5 Days for the Homeless: Saskatoon campaign is to raise awareness of the growing issue of homelessness in Saskatoon while collecting donations for a local not-for-profit organization called EGADZ.

The Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc., also known as EGADZ, has been operating in Saskatoon since April 2, 1990, providing resources and actively supporting and empowering youth at risk in Saskatoon. EGADZ provides such services as a Drop-In Center (safe place for youth to spend their time), My Homes (safe youth housing program), Joe’s Garage (a guys only program), Josie’s Garage (a girls only program), Street Outreach, and many other services.

The homeless participants must remain on campus and sleep outside for the full five days, with no access to university student facilities like the PAC and showering facilities. The food they consume can only be received from donations and they will give up all access to money and personal belongings at the beginning of the campaign.

Any further questions on the campaign or media involvement can be directed to:

Project Manager
Megan Orr
(c): 306.380.9881
(e): megan.orr@usask.ca                                           

Public Relations Director
Seema Grover
(c): 306.280.1458
(e): seema.grover@usask.ca