Last night, a caring community of 70 senior business leaders from across Toronto gave up their beds to participate in our 13th annual Sleep Out: Executive Edition to help youth experiencing homelessness and trafficking l continue to have access to critical, life-changing services at Covenant House Toronto.
The generosity, empathy, and kindness shown by this community raised over $1.1 million and critical awareness on a cold and drizzly night. These funds provide youth not only with a safe place to sleep and nutritious meals at Covenant House Toronto, but also provides them with critical services including mental health support, healthcare, education, and job readiness training that helps them build their path forward.
Throughout the evening, participants had an opportunity to tour our building and connected with Covenant House Toronto youth and staff over a meal served by youth alumni of our Cooking for Life job readiness program. These moments helped them gain insights into the challenges young people face and how Covenant House helps.
One of the highlights of the night was the Youth “Fireside” Chat, in which three former youth shared their journeys and the impact Covenant House has had on their lives. They each reflected on their path to where they are today and how the support they received helped to transform their lives. “Without Covenant House, I wouldn’t be here,” one youth said. “The staff has been caring, encouraging and has helped us to hold on to the light and hope for a better future.”
Jen Newman, now in her 5th year participating in the event, shared, “What keeps me coming back each year is the important work that Covenant House does and the impact they have on youth,” she said. “There is nowhere else I would rather be tonight. This evening is just a small window into what some youth experience every night -it feels like the least we can do.”
We are grateful to all the executives who participated in this year’s Sleep Out: Executive Edition. Your dedication, support, and fundraising efforts help make it possible for Covenant House to continue providing a safe place, life skills, and opportunities for young people to build brighter futures.
Thank you for sleeping out and showing up for Toronto’s youth!