Voluntary Action: A Needed Reaction

5 Days for the Homeless is almost here. The campaign that raised $13,000 for Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) is returning to the U of M for the second time with the same mission: to educate, energize, and fundraise for the cause of homelessness. In March of 2009, four students braved the cold weather and slept outside for 5 nights. It was a difficult but profound experience for each of them, and proved an old adage to be true: nothing that is truly worth knowing can be taught. That being said, few, including the participants themselves, believe that living outside of University Centre for 5 days can in any way parallel the daily experience of Winnipeg’s estimated 10,000 homeless men and women. That’s why this campaign is merely one tiny part of a much broader effort that’s required to combat homelessness and the underlying scourge of poverty.

In many ways, the problem is one of identity. While a disease like cancer may strike indiscriminately without respect to class, gender, or ethnicity, poverty and homelessness tend to be cyclical in that they stay within certain demographic regions. Those who are born poor tend to stay poor, just as those born into middle and upper-income families tend not to become poor. This creates somewhat of a disconnect, an ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality wherein those who live prosperously cannot and do not identify with those who live in poverty. As such, those with a vested interest in improving the situation are least able to, and those with the greatest means are less motivated to do so.

The role of this campaign is to help bridge that gap, and in so doing, the vision becomes a little clearer. This campaign recognizes the value of people: both those whom this event is intended to serve, and those who bring their passion and enthusiasm to alter the current state of affairs. For many charity campaigns, the primary measure of success is the amount of monetary donations collected. Though fundraising is of great importance, 5 Days for the Homeless is not focussed simply on raising money. The strength of this campaign rests on its ability to motivate and inspire people – to create an awareness that sparks active community involvement, not only in the short-term, but on a continuing basis. The hope is that the noble actions of a few students can help instil a charitable ethic, or present an opportunity to nurture one that already exists.

The problem we are facing is one of inaction, and therefore what’s required is a well coordinated and concerted effort. JFK said it best: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” 5 Days for the Homeless is one of many great ways in which you can get involved and become a part of the solution. I believe that solution to be nothing more, and nothing less, than the energy and dedication that’s drawn from human compassion.


Want to volunteer?

Contact us at: 5days.2010@gmail.com