Day 3

Kayla - "Day three has come to an end and what a day/ night it has been. Yesterday we spent most of our time on Water Street. The public has been amazing thus far and I'm not sure if they realize how much of an impact they have on us as a group and even the actual homeless. We have been getting a great response in regards to raising money and food donations, even positive words. What a great feeling you get when people walk by and tell you what a great job you're doing and praise us on being brave. Thank you for that!

We were invited to City Hall by the Mayor. We had lunch and got to talk for a while. Mayor O'Keefe even let us into council chambers. It was quite exciting for me. haha (see picture below) I even got to sit in the chair.

Last night Sleep Out held it's Midweek Event. The Midweek Event for me is such a boost and I've been very thankful for the time spent with family and friends. We had some special moments along with some funny ones. I find no matter how we feel at the Midweek Event the next day is always so hard. I left last night feeling positive; much better than last year. So I assumed the night would go off without a hitch and Thursday would be good. HA! That didn't turn out so well once we got to 'bed'. My night didn't turn out to be as positive as I had hoped, therefore making Thursday a not so positive morning. I always find Thursday to be a little more difficult than any other day.

I'm mentally and emotionally exhausted and could really use a good nap.

We are almost there and the difference we are making is huge. Even if it's something little, they all add up to be something big.

"Even the weak become strong when they are united"

PS. Happy Birthday to my amazing Sister, Krista! Love you, hope you have a super day! XOXOXO

Nikita- "Last night was the first night I was afraid in 3 years I have been involved in Sleep Out. I just want some good food and bed.

Lots of love, Nikita

Adam- "Good day St. John's. I want to send a thank you out to Mayor O'Keefe for his support and coming down and inviting us for lunch in his office.

The weather yesterday was a little wet but we were able to stay dry by standing under an overhang. However, I can't imagine doing this day after day with no end in sight. I'ts been a very challenging and cold experience, but the community support, stories of the people on the streets, make the experience worth while.

I don't know what else to write. I'm so tired right now."

Renee- "I am in really good spirits this morning. Yesterday was filled with lots of happiness. It started off with a visit from my mom, sister and Heather. She bought up some somosas and rice which made Sana's day. The Mayor dropped down next and invited us up to City Hall for a pizza lunch. It felt so amazing to walk around on soft floor in our socks.

Yesterday was 'change our clothes day'! That felt so nice!! We went to the midweek event and it was extremely uplifting. We heard the Stella's Circle Inclusion Choir preform, and I got a great piece of art, which was done by a youth. My mom, sister, Angelina and Heather, and her mom and brother came to see me. Feeling all of the love was amazing.

We have broke the half way point now and it will be no time until I am seeing Leonard Cohen. This experience has been life changing already.

Kathryn (Ground Leader)- "Wednesday was great! we had the mayor come down and visit us. He then invited us to his office for lunch! It was really good! It rained for a bit but we had shelter. Had the midweek event. Had a lot of support and it was great to see a lot of past participants. Nothing else to report today."

Lacey- "Good morning world! Three cold nights, a lovely midweek event, and a medical exam down - just two night to go now and I feel good. It has been an amazing but challenging week so far. No matter how much time you spend mentally preparing for sleeping on the streets, you have to do it to find out just how cold the concrete is and what it feels like to have no roof over your head in -8 degree weather. Last night I slept for the first time in a couple of days and this morning I woke up refreshed, recharged and feeling happy that I am here! One of things which has struck me the most doing this campaign is the wonderful support we have received from the community!

Because I am a med student I have been back and forth to classes and exams at the hospital each day, and my collegues have been showing me so much care and concern. I couldn't ask for better friends. The support and donations from the medical community has really gave me a sense of purpose, knowing I have raised enough funds to really make a difference for all the beneficiaries. Thanks guys!

Special thanks to Steph, Stephen and Rene for being my rock and Same for coming out to midweek! OK, that's all for now, I'm going to be late for my hypertension tutorial. Much love, Lacey!

Sana

"I was the last one to join the sleep out 120 gang. The reason of being the last was because I had an exam in the afternoon. It was around 7:30 pm in the evening when I spotted several people in red hoodies and huge backpacks lying on the floor. We introduced one another and then Kathryn led us towards a shelter that a currently homeless man was residing, where we could donated some food and Sleep Out bracelets. Unfortunately, he wasn't in his shelter. What we found were some uncleaned clothes, blankets and a pillow. There was garbage laying around the small area he was living. It was upsetting to see someone having to live like that no matter what his or her reason be. It made me think that it could have happened to me too. Then we went through the streets and collected some donation and spread awareness about youth homelessness. At 10 pm we brushed our teeth and headed towards our sleeping spot. Everybody laid and rolled out their sleeping bags and were ready to sleep. We had to cuddle to keep warm. It was my first time sleeping out and the temperature was -8. The tip of my tongue was frozen, and I realized I could barely feel my lower body, and couldn't sleep at all. I usually can sleep anywhere without any trouble, but this was tough. A couple people decided to go use the restroom. I thought I could use a walk and joined them. When we returned, I felt warmer and could sleep for a while. Last night I realized what it means to have a home and to know how vulnerable the homeless actually feel."

Renee

"Yesterday was filled with a range of activities and emotions.

Day 1..

The campaign launch was exciting and extremely encouraging. The media attention and the energy from the community when they seen us was a warm welcome. We marched from Choice for youth chanting and ready.

As the day went on I tried to study when I could because I have a final exam on Thursday. It was difficult to focus when my mind was filled with so much!

Lacey is doing this with me and that made a world of difference when we were snuggled up last night in -8 weather. I have never been so cold. My heart hurts for those who live that night after night.

The rest of the group is really great. They are all friendly and different and it is great that we are all here together motivated by a common cause.

Day 2 just started. Starbucks just donated some coffee and my belly is starting to get warm!"

Below is a picture of Renee trying to get her study on.

Lindsey N

"I'm finally starting to warm up. It was the coldest night ever last night.. well enough whining. Besides the cold, it has been great so far. There are so many people who have been so supportive. Just waking up this morning and realizing the little things we take for granted. I would die for a piece of dental floss right now! I guess you don't realize the little things that are so meaningless. I'm up and ready for another day! :)"

Kathryn - Ground Leader

"Dear Sleep Out Followers,

Well we are almost 24 hours in, and I just want to thank everyone for their support. Every year we do this we get more and more support. We have heard a few stories from people we have met along the way. We did have a bone chillingly cold night as it went down to -8. I was awake most of the night.

The media coverage has been fantastic! The City of St. John's proclaimed April 15-20th Sleep Out 120 week!

We have seen a few past participants as well. We have a great team this year as usual. This year I am very honored to participate again, although I will admit at 3 am I was thinking I must be crazy, mostly because I was so cold."

Below is Kathryn - Day 1

Adam

"It's Tuesday morning and we have been out for less than 24 hours. The generosity and support that individuals showed us yesterday was overwhelming. Hearing the stories from individuals who have been homeless or who are currently at risk of homelessness has been motivating. I am happy that people have shared their experiences with us, as they give me the motivation and inspiration to be here. Last night was so cold. I don't think I got an hour of sleep. It's difficult to think about what this experience would be like if I was alone; a 17 year old kid out on the streets alone, which sadly is the reality for hundreds of thousands of youth in our country each year."

Mallory

"Well... Yesterday was both very cold and very inspirational. We walked a lot to keep warm and tried to stay in the sun as it moved. I'm sun burnt, but the warmth was pleasant.  As we talked to the public we heard many stories of personal experience with homelessness and many who were currently at risk of becoming homeless. Hearing about the tough times that these individuals have experience or are experiencing was very eye opening. One man, who was homeless this time last year was so thankful to have a bed sitting room with no heat or power. He believes in our cause so much that when he was given money, he would donate to us.

The public was fantastic! They bought us food, coffee and donated generously. "

Nikita

"Morning 1.. The first night was so cold. One of the coldest in the 3 years I have participated. However, I was so happy I wasn't alone. I can only imagine how cold and lonely it would be outside in the night alone.

Lots to think about.. "

Robyn

"Last night was probably THE coldest night in Sleep Out history!! We all got to know each other pretty quickly because we cuddled awfully close to one another! The public and friends and family have been amazing! Past participants have dropped by to offer their love and support. What touched me the most last night was when of the teachers for a child I work with, dropped down with her kids to show them what it means to do good. She said she wanted to teach them humility and not to hate. Hearing that warmed me. It let me know that we really are making a difference. So I want to thank her for that, and if she's not reading, I'll be sure to let her know when I get off the streets! We all survived the first day and night, let's see what's in store for day 2!

P.S. Mom, the message you gave Ashley really boosted me this morning. Thank you! I love you all! "

Below: Robyn St. Croix enjoying the little bit of sun we got yesterday!