Candace Maxymowich.
Local teen and community leader, Candace Maxymowich, will be spending a night under the stars in the capital of Manitoba to bring awareness to homelessness.
CEOs and representatives from media and community organizations are participating in the CEO Sleepout, an initiative of the Change for the Better campaign to help homeless people get off the street, into permanent paid employment and into a healthier environment.
“I’m looking forward to participating in the event, fundraising, and raising awareness about the Change for the Better campaign and the possible solutions to ending homelessness such as supportive housing and employment,” says Maxymowich.
The CEO Sleepout event will take place the evening of Sept. 27 near the Portage Avenue and Main Street intersection in Winnipeg.
The event is designed to raise funds that will be used for employment initiatives for homeless individuals. The goal is to raise $250,000.
“I think it’s great that members of the corporate community are coming together and I am really looking forward to lending my voice to important issues that affect so many people,” says Maxymowich.
Among the participants who will be sleeping near the city’s most famous intersection are Rob Johnston (Regional President of RBC), Paula Havixbeck (Acting Deputy Mayor, City of Winnipeg), Marilyn McLaren (President and CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance), Larry Desrochers (General Director and CEO of Manitoba Opera), and Jeff Hnatiuk (President and CEO of Sport Manitoba).
Maxymowich notes that “homelessness and poverty aren’t just in Winnipeg. This is an issue that is prevalent in the south-eastern region and across Canada. It’s a growing issue and we need to work together to find solutions. We need to provide structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness so they can participate fully in society.”
In 2011, Change for the Better held their inaugural CEO Sleepout that challenged CEOs, community leaders and key decision-makers to raise awareness about homelessness and poverty. In the process, participants helped raise over $100,000 for Change for the Better.
If you wish to learn more about the campaign or donate to participating CEOs in the sleepout, visit the website at www.changeforthebetter.org.
