Last night, a caring group of local leaders, influencers, and advocates came together with one shared purpose: to stand in solidarity with young people experiencing homelessness.
With only sleeping bags and cardboard for warmth, this group of 154 community members spent the night outside — to demonstrate that they care deeply and are committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth.
In doing so, participants also raised an incredible $361,575 (and counting!), shattering our fundraising goal of $250,000 and proving that the spirit of caring, community, and philanthropy is alive and well in Vancouver! Special thanks go to our event match donor, Vancouver International Airport, which doubled donations, up to $75,000. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Community support also took the form of beautiful blue lights across the city, as iconic local landmarks including Canada Place, Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver City Hall, Burrard Bridge, and the Vancouver International Airport Tower lit up in honour of Sleep Out.
Every Dollar Makes a Difference
Every dollar raised by this year’s Sleep Out: Champions Edition will go toward Covenant House Vancouver’s mental health services. Thanks to the generosity of our Sleep Out participants and donors, the event will make a powerful impact, by helping to fund essential counselling, therapy, and emotional supports that give young people the tools to heal and build stable futures.
Nigel Bennett, Chair of our Sleep Out: Champions Edition Cabinet and seven-time participant, expressed his profound gratitude when addressing his fellow participants at the start of the night: “Each one of us here – every single one of us, including myself – was asked at some point in time to step outside of their comfort zone and show up. And everybody here has done that.”
Courage and Hope: Stories from Youth
One of the most moving moments of the evening was hearing directly from three young people who have turned to Covenant House for support. Former resident Keyosha shared her story of arriving at Covenant House: “I originally came to Covenant House to seek haven from domestic violence. I was welcomed with open arms and supported to find strength and security in the community,” she said.
Another youth panelist spoke about the benefits of the holistic mental health offerings at Covenant House: “There have just been so many positive changes since I’ve come to Covenant House. I wouldn’t be here; I wouldn’t be alive if I didn’t have that support when I needed it. I wouldn’t be healthy, physically or mentally.”
The third youth panelist spoke warmly of the tight-knit community he found at Covenant House Vancouver. “Covenant House gave me a place to make friends and connect with people,” he said. “Finding other young people my age who were struggling as well, that that helped me connect.”
More Than One Night: A Commitment to Change
For many participants, Sleep Out is a deeply moving experience that sparks a lasting commitment. “To physically put myself through this experience builds empathy for what youth go through,” said first-timer Shravan Poreddy of Team YVR. “It’s our community coming together.”
Participant Perry Gorgounis said he was inspired to join the movement as a father of two sons, who knows how important young people are to the future of our community and country. “Coming here helps reinforce how important it is for young people to have unconditional love and support,” he said.
And while this year’s Sleep Out: Champions Edition has wrapped up, our work isn’t done! You can still contribute by donating, until March 31, 2025.
And if you want to take the next step, consider signing up for Sleep Out in 2026. Together, we can continue to show young people that they are not alone, and that their futures are worth fighting for.
To everyone who participated, donated and promoted to this cause: thank you. Your support is changing lives.