Karen McDonald
Special to The Chief
You may feel sympathy for the problems of the homeless, but would you choose to share their plight? Some local brave children and youth are doing just that.
The children and youth, ages 6 to 15, of St John the Divine Anglican Church will be abandoning the comforts of home for one night to catch a glimpse of what life is like for many young people. Although this event is usually held in November for National Awareness Month for the Homeless, this group will be camping out in milder weather due to the young ages of some of the participants.
Often called "Bed in a Box" night, the Sunday School and Youth Group will be collecting pledges to buy their "bed", which is nothing more than a large cardboard box. They will also be given some string, tape and newspaper to beef up their homes. They will be allowed to bring a sleeping bag and pillow, but nothing else except the "clothes on their back". Cell phones, MP3 players, video games and other such luxury items will not be permitted.
Each participant will be given three quarters, to be used during the night for bathroom privileges. Each individual will also be given small baggies of food containing different items, so that they are compelled to share with others, just as street kids would do.
This group of dedicated kids will be setting up their "Shantytown" at 6 p.m. on Saturday May 6, and will be joined for the first three hours for a games night involving the whole parish. After bidding the children a warm and dry good night, all visitors will depart to their dry and comfortable beds. At this time, the children will bed down in their boxes in the outside courtyard for a somewhat cool and uncomfortable evening.
The following morning the participants will be treated to a pancake breakfast before leading the 10 a.m. Family Service. The Shantytown will remain erected in the courtyard until after the morning service, so that those attending the service may also "catch a glimpse" of what life is like for many young people today.
The purpose of Homeless for a Night is to raise awareness about the need for supporting homeless adults, families and youth. Homelessness is a worldwide problem and Vancouver's streets have one of North America's highest populations of street kids. Over the past few years, Squamish's streets and riverbanks have also become home to many adults, youth and yes, even families. There is no quick answer to solve homelessness, but we can start by being aware, compassionate and giving.
Visitors are welcome to stop by this shantytown from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday evening or 8 to 9 a.m. Sunday morning to provide encouraging words to these youngsters. All donations and pledges will be donated to Squamish Food Bank/St John Hope Club. For further information on this inspiring event please call Karen MacDonald, Youth Ministries Director at 604 898-9508 or St John the Divine Anglican Church at 604 898-5100.
