Reflecting on Day 1 Blogs

NICOLE:
Well Today was a treat. We walked and walked. It was such a great experience hanging out and talking to everyone we passed wondering why we had backpacks and what the campaign was all about. It really hit home when we "set up camp" placing our cardboard and getting everything ready for our first night, then we decided to walk the streets for a bit and when we returned to go to sleep everything had been taken and we were left with nothing. So we were left with no choice but to find new stuff, glad to see dumpsters!

NIKITA:
Night One/ Morning One - 8:01am
The first day was all about finding a safe place to sleep. We walked a lot but soon found a place. We set up our cardboard, I thought it would be okay to leave there while we walked around. However, when we got back to our sleeping area our cardboard was gone. What a feeling our beds were gone. What were we going to do? Well we all picked ourselves up and didn't let this get us down. some of us went dumpster climbing while others walked looking for cardboard. I never thought that I would ever have to watch a dumpster while my friend jumped in. To be honest I was a bit embarrassed but that feeling soon passed because it was what we had to do. It really made me think about those people who have to do these type of things every day just to stay alive. The first night I was a bit afraid, however very thankful to be with a group and not alone. I can only imagine the dear the homeless who sleep alone must feel, if I was afraid ad I had others with me. We had a early rise because we had to be out of our spot by 6am before people started to come around for work. I have felt how lonely and frighting the streets are for the homeless and its only been one night to our five day journey.

NOEL:
7:16am
Sitting on the steps now at mile one centre. Been up since 5:45am, over 17 hours into the campaign and what an interesting 17 hours it was. Adjusting to the feeling that I don't have a home anymore for the next 5 days was big. Then wondering where or when supper was going to come or if it would come at. The people we met so far has been so understanding. I also wondered where we were going to sleep, but now it is day 2, the sun is up and everyone is in good spirits, time to get on the move.

SAM:
Just woke up on the streets for the first time. The reality is starting to set in that we will actually be down here until Saturday. I can't imagine being out here all alone. It's so heartbreaking that that's a reality for so many people. It's bad enough being lonely in ideal circumstances let alone adding being cold, tired and hungry in the mix.

SARAH:
It's the 17th hour, already it has been an experience. We started yesterday at 2:00pm. The group is fantastic. Everyone is so supportive and looking out for each other, it makes you wonder how the individual homeless do it. The Community has also been great so far, pulling over or walking to find us to give us donations, we had a minor setback when we realized that our cardboard was removed and nowhere to be found. That didn't disturb our mood, we turned it into another adventure and experienced dumpster diving for cardboard and cushion. It's time to get going again! Talk soon.

CRAIG:
What is so great about being homeless? (Nothing)

BLAIR:
It was a start that was unexpected to say the least. The day was meant to team build and to prepare for the week ahead. The day turned into a media day, CBC and NTV, we started the campaign very well so far. The weather has been nice as we slept under the stars. Although I didn't sleep a wink, I felt comfortable and safe with the energetic and dedicated group of people.