Sleeping On The Street For Charity

By day, Mark Brand is busy running some of Vancouver’s favourite restaurants and bars, and Vanessa Leigh heading up Ion Magazine. But on the night of November 21st, they were both homeless – all in support of youth homelessness. Thirty of Vancouver’s business and community leaders participated in the Covenant House Sleep Out, spending one night with just a sleeping bag and cardboard on the streets of Vancouver.

The Challenge
Mark challenged Vanessa to see who could raise the most money for Covenant House and A Better Life Foundation. They both have a goal of raising $11,000 each, and they’re determined to make it happen. While the causes that they’re championing are serious, they want to have fun in the way they raise funds and there’s nothing like a little challenge for the benefit of charity.

Youth Homelessness
Youth homelessness is an important cause for both Mark and Vanessa. Mark sees it daily in the community, and has been working on initiatives to help create change through A Better Life Foundation. For Vanessa, she’s worked with Ion Magazine advertisers for the past few years to provide clothing for youth and teenagers at Covenant House. Youth and teenagers are especially important to Vanessa because they’re often overlooked when it comes to charitable giving.

I Give Because…
I can. Both agree that it’s in everyone to help others and give, no matter how big or small. As Vanessa says, “It’s a win-win. When you’re giving to somebody, they’re benefiting from you. But you’re also benefiting from that feel good thing.”

Help Vanessa Battle Mark
Vanessa’s using a Chimp Giving Group as one tool to help her raise funds towards her $11,000 goal. She’s raised over $2,000 in her Giving Group alone, and even more in total. If you’d like to help Vanessa in her goal of raising $11,000 and beating Mark, join her Giving Group.

About Covenant House
Covenant House provides shelter and services to children and youth who seek help. Now in their 16th year, their ultimate desire is that no youth be on the street.

About A Better Life Foundation
Started by Mark Brand, the goal of A Better Life Foundation is to raise funds for food security for those in need and providing job training and employment opportunities to the community. A Better Life Foundation strives to create a bridge between for-profit business and non-profit organizations.