Covenant House Vancouver’s signature fundraising event that supports vulnerable youth in the community is only a week away!
The November event brings executives and business leaders from the community together, who each give up their beds for one night, in solidarity with homeless youth, so that young people can have a safe place to sleep at Covenant House.
Kevin Takahashi is one of the amazing participants from Sleep Out. Not only does he host an annual golf tournament to raise funds for the event, but he has also joined the Sleep Out Executive Cabinet—a dedicated group of community leaders who actively recruit and raise funds for the event.
Kevin was kind enough to share his Sleep Out experiences with us.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m married with two sons (6 and 10). I grew up in Delta and now live on the North Shore. I’ve worked downtown as a financial planner for 16 years.
Can you tell us about your tournament?
This year marked the 10th year for the golf tournament. It is my primary fundraiser for my participation in the Executive Sleep Out. It brings together people from across my professional and personal network for a great cause.
How many teams/players are there?
Our cap for players is 72 (18 teams). We are fortunate as most people return annually as it is such a fun event.
How much does the tournament raise?
We normally raise between $10,000 – $15,000 annually for Covenant House Vancouver.
When did you join Sleep Out?
My first Sleep Out: Executive Edition was in 2014. This will be my 11th year of participating.
Why do you think that this event is so important/needed?
The importance of this event is that it raises a lot of important funds in one night. It also brings a lot of awareness as it tends to raise eyebrows when you hear about the business leaders that are giving up their beds for the night to sleep on the street in the alley.
Why is an organization like Covenant House important in the community?
Covenant House gives hope and unconditional love to youth that have often never had such a thing. It helps prepare them for a future that they probably never thought was possible. It also helps to break the cycle of homelessness in the future.
Why did you join the Sleep Out Cabinet?
I wanted to help the Executive event bring on participants who would be involved in a meaningful way. People that would bring awareness and funds, while still appreciating the importance of the evening.
Why should other business leaders get involved with this cause?
Youth homelessness affects us all in some way shape or form — whether we walk by it on the way to work, or look at our own kids and hope that they never have to experience such a thing. The leaders in our community have a louder voice and a wider reach to help raise important funds and show others the great work that is done at Covenant House Vancouver.
Is there a Sleep Out moment that really resonated with you or that sticks out?
One particular year, it started to rain, after I had actually managed to fall asleep. The people around me moved under cover. I woke up at some point, opened my eyes, and no one was around. For a brief moment, I had forgotten that I was at Sleep Out and felt the complete vulnerability of being alone on the street. The moment passed as I got my bearings, but I always remember that feeling and it’s heartbreaking to know that there are so many youth on the street who have that feeling all night, every night.
What would you say to someone who doesn’t understand the complexities of youth homelessness and how youth end up on the street?
I always remind others that a lot of these youth are on the street because it is better than where they were before. It’s shocking, but often true.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
I’m honoured to take part in this event and to be a part of the Covenant House family.
Get Involved!
With only one week to go before Sleep Out, you can still make a difference.
In fact, now is an excellent time!
You can double your impact today! From November 7 to November 21, all donations made to Sleep Out: Executive Edition — up to $150,000 — will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to the generosity of George and Sylvia Melville.
Whether you donate to an individual, team, or to Sleep Out itself, your gift will go twice as far in supporting vulnerable youth in the community.