Media Advisory – “There are solutions” to youth homelessness concludes Raising the Roof report; Sir Richard Branson calls on Canadians to support Toque Campaign.
Toronto, Nov. 12 – 700 homeless youth were interviewed for Raising the Roof’s landmark report, Youth Homelessness in Canada: The Road to Solutions. Their experience and insights helped to inform and substantiate the report recommendations. The report concludes that there ARE long-term solutions to youth homelessness in Canada. This event will highlight the youth voice and point to what needs to be done to bring about those solutions.This event also marks the launch of Raising the Roof’s annual National Toque Campaign. Proceeds from the campaign directly fund solutions to youth homelessness in communities across Canada.
Over the course of a year, 65,000 youth across Canada are without a place to call home.
WHAT: National public release of Raising the Roof’s Youth Homelessness in Canada: The Road to Solutions report AND Launch of Raising the Roof’s annual National Toque Campaign. Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group, and Janice Thomson, Direct Energy will make significant “calls to action” at this event.
PHOTO OP: VIPs plus large group of young people wearing Raising the Roof toques.
WHO: Raising the Roof is Canada’s only national charity dedicated solely to finding long-term solutions for homelessness.
VIPs will include:
Emily, a previously homeless youth from St. John’s
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group and founder of Virgin Mobile Canada – this year’s Lead Partner in the Toque Campaign
Janice Thomson, Executive VP, HR and Communications, Direct Energy, Lead Partner for Raising the Roof’s Youthworks initiative
Councillor Janet Davis, Chair, Community Development & Recreation Committee, City of Toronto
WHEN: Thursday, November 19, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
(Remarks: 10:00-10:30 a.m., interviews/photo ops. follow)
WHERE: Dundas Square, 2 Carlton Street, Toronto M5B 1J3
For further information: or to arrange an interview contact Susanna Smith: (416) 259-1423 (office), (416) 888-2074 (cell), or Maureen Deery: (416) 489-9531 (office), (416) 346-4910 (cell)
