Something sparked for Stephanie Daniels and Bridget Roberts when they first heard about homeless youth in the capital region.
Neither knows anyone who’s used the shelter but the thought that a peer could need to turn to a shelter set them in motion.
The Belmont secondary students decided they wanted to help spread the word on the Out of the Rain youth shelter. Out of the Rain is open seven days a week and offers a warm place to stay, plus provides hot meals at various community centres and churches in Victoria.
Daniels and Roberts along with others from their leadership class are selling Out of the Rain toques at lunch hours from now until Feb. 14. The toques are $10 and they are also accepting donations for the shelters that can accommodate up to 30 youths each night.
West Shore youths do make the trek to downtown Victoria to use the service.
“The money we raise will help provide meals and blankets,” said Roberts, a Grade 12 student. “We have learned that it’s not their fault that they are homeless it’s just what’s happened to them.”
The teens have a short-term goal of selling 20 toques, but hope to raise as much money as possible.
“It’s nice to know that we are helping people and making a difference,” said Daniels.
Through the fundraiser 80 per cent of the proceeds goes back into Out of the Rain.
“I think it’s amazing that these students have decided to do this,” said Jen Mortimer Out of the Rain co-ordinator.
Last winter the organization helped more than 280 individual youth, many who frequented the service for a total of 2,500 stays from October through April.
Buy toques at Belmont secondary school, 3067 Jacklin Rd. until Feb. 14.
Feb. 4 is Toques Tuesday and Out of the Rain hats will also be available that day at Wal-Mart, 860 Langford Pkwy., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.