Armed only with a sleeping bag and a cardboard box, participants in this year’s sleepingOUT at The Bridge event braved single digit temperatures overnight on October 24 in support of the many ways that The Bridge Youth Resource Centre changes the lives of young people in the area.
Constructing their humble abodes early in the evening, fundraisers moved on to painting pumpkins, eating smores, listening to inspiring testimonials and enjoying the live music of ultrasonik before hunkering down for a sleep under the stars.
The top individual fundraiser at this year’s event was Adam Bergen with $11,000, while the top team was YA Unite raising $27,403.
In addition to individuals raising funds for The Bridge, corporate sponsors UE Enclosures, MC3 Manufacturing and RGC stepped up to the plate as part of the whopping total that was raised.
In reference to all of the supporters, Executive Director of The Bridge Krista Rempel said, “They are wonderful and we are so grateful. Thanks to the community for showing up for us so that we help our youth reach their full potential.”
New this year were two features: sleepingOUT swag from LAAR Hats and the rock stylings of the youth band ultrasonik. Rempel shared that they brought on board Abdiel Lara of LAAR Hats as he was the third-place winner of their Take Your Shot contest and their desire to interlace the many young people that are a part of their centre.
As for the band ultrasonik performing on the stage in the parking lot, Rempel said, “The live music is there to create further excitement for the event and is hopefully something the participants can enjoy.”
Moving forward, The Bridge Youth Resource Centre vows to remain committed to offering a safe and supportive environment for people from 14 to 24 years of age, while providing essential services, building life skills and providing connections to others in the local community.
Eight employees of MC3 Manufacturing formed a team and participated in this year’s sleepout. Pictured from MC3 are Danny Banman on the left and Darrin Harrison on the right as they began to build their home for the night.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
Pictured inside The Bridge Youth Resource Centre is Miranda Pouget, left, who spoke to the participants about how The Bridge has helped her with her studies and how it provided a place for YA Unite as they try to bring local youth groups together. On the right is Executive Director Krista Rempel decked out in a cap from LAAR Hats that helped to raise funds at sleepingOUT.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
