Vita resident, Candace Maxymowich, was among the 50 CEOs and community leaders who spent the night of September 27 at Portage and Main in Winnipeg to raise awareness about homelessness and poverty issues. Together, they helped raised $111,595 to employ homeless people. Donations will continue to be accepted to reach the initial goal of $150,000.
Maxymowich says “It was certainly an eye opening experience and such an educational night. Several homeless people came to spend the night with us and engaged us in dialogue, sharing their stories and challenges.”
The 2nd annual CEO Sleepout event supports Change for the Better, a program that helps people who are homeless get off the street into permanent paid employment and a healthier environment.
“A lot of people live pay cheque to pay cheque. One life-changing event can have a devastating impact,” notes Maxymowich.
Since 1992, over $235,000 has been raised and 100% of all donations support programs like Siloam Mission’s Mission: Off the Streets Team (MOST) that employs people who are homeless to help enhance the image and cleanliness of our downtown while building life skills that may help participants get a full time job. Siloam Mission, Graffiti Art Programming, and Red Road Lodge received proceeds from last year’s CEO Sleepout event, empowering people who do not have housing with meaningful work experience, skills and confidence.
“The Change for the Better CEO Sleepout is a great initiative and I’m glad I was able to participate,” adds Maxymowich.
