5 days for the homeless
5 Days is a national campaign that takes place across 20 participating universities. The mission of the campaign is to raise awareness about homelessness and collect monetary donations for a local charity. This year, on behalf of UVic Commerce Students’ Society, we are raising money for Our Place Society.
Homelessness is a widespread social concern in Canada; more than 235,000 people experience homelessness in any given year. The number of homeless people, and the amount of time they spend homeless, continues to rise. Not only do these individuals lack a safe and adequate place to rest, but they also struggle to obtain nourishing food, showers, health care, education, and job opportunities.
About “Our Place Society”
Our Place Society has grown from a unique inner-city community center to nine locations serving Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable, including people struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use issues, the working poor, and the impoverished elderly.
Individuals and businesses provide 50% of the financial support for its programs and services. Our Place provides over 1,000 meals every day plus snacks, 400 units of housing plus transitional shelter spaces, hot showers, education, job skills, health care, addiction recovery services, donated clothing, counselling and outreach services, and a 60-bin storage facility. Most importantly, Our Place provides a sense of hope and belonging to our neighbours in need.
5 days Events
March 18th Trivia Tuesday
Held at Swan’s Pub
March 19th Glow in the Dark Yoga
Held at CARSA
March 20th Panic at the Disco Club Night
Held at Paparazzi
March 21st Charity Polar Dip / “Cold Day”
Held at Caddy Bay
Cold Day is a joint event to attend the polar dip and the BCom vs Eng Hockey Game later in the evening.
March 22nd Closing Ceremony
Held at Grad House