We’ve talked a lot about youth homelessness here at Fresh Print. In November, Gary Seward examined the stigma “street kids” face on a daily basis and the difficulties of escaping from that life. In December, Laura Rojas brought many of the city’s safe houses and shelters to our attention. The INI Awards recognized the Yonge Street Mission for all of their hard work and we’ve highlighted the efforts of some amazing volunteers. We know their homelessness is an issue that affects thousands across our city. Now it’s time to give back.
Tokens 4 Change, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Etobicoke’s Youth Without Shelter (YWS), invites us all to take part in their 4th annual citywide event. This organization, founded in 2010, visits schools and runs educational workshops for young people. They form artistic partnerships with classes and clubs throughout the city and invite these groups to perform during their big day. Youth are very much helping youth.
On Friday, February 7th, hundreds of Tokens 4 Change student volunteers will take to the streets and the subways to showcase their talent and collect donations for this worthy cause. Performances will include dance, drama, art, spoken word, and music provided by the Kiss 92.5 street team. Performances will take place throughout that day at many TTC locations on both the Bloor and Yonge lines. Kick-off starts at 9:30am at the ING Direct Cafe at 221 Yonge Street (near Yonge and Dundas) and will be hosted by actor Ennis Esmer (The Listener, LA Complex, Wipeout Canada). The day’s highlights include:
King Station: Spoken word poetry performed by Mahlikah Awe:ri aka MC AngelHeart, the front woman for hip hop fusion band Red Slam Collective and Sandra Santhosh a.k.a SilverSoul
Dundas Station: Live painting brought to Dundas Station by The STEPS Initiative, featuring collaborating artist Nick Sweetnam
Bloor-Yonge Station: Crescent School Students performing a theatre piece co-created with Lauren Spring of Extant Jesters
A little bit goes a long way, so on Friday, while you’re racing for a train or trudging through the PATH, take a moment to talk to a volunteer. Last year, over 400 volunteers came out to support Tokens for Change and raised an extraordinary $90,000 for Youth Without Shelter. Let’s see if we can top it.
For a full schedule of events or to make a donation, visit Tokens 4 Change. Learn more about their cause at Youth Without Shelter.