As part of its commitment to help end youth homelessness in Canada, The Home Depot Canada Foundation launched its annual The Orange Door Project fundraising campaign today (May 28), which collects $2 donations from customers and gives 100 per cent of the proceeds to local youth-serving organizations.
Customers shopping in the North Surrey, Surrey Strawberry Hill and Surrey-White Rock Home Depot stores can donate $2 at the checkout in exchange for a (paper) Orange Door. One hundred per cent of proceeds stay in the community and go to support the housing and life-skills development programs at Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS). The campaign runs until July 2.
PCRS provides alternate education, employment, addiction counselling and prevention services, housing support, and cultural enrichment for youth, adults and families. Its Surrey Youth Housing Services program serves youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Surrey area. Funds raised through The Orange Door Project campaign will support life skills workshops and renovations at their newly acquired youth home.
“Every night in Canada, more than 6,000 youth don’t have a safe place to call home,” said Bill Lennie, chair, board of directors, The Home Depot Canada Foundation and president, The Home Depot Canada.
“We believe this has to change. Our associates are passionate about this cause and together with our customers and local, youth-serving charities; we can give vulnerable youth opportunities for a brighter future.”
Quick facts:
• Youth are one of the fastest-growing segments of the homeless population in Canada;
• One in five shelter users in Canada are youth, ages 16 to 24;
• The male-to-female ratio in youth shelters is 2:1;
• 41 to 43 per cent of youth experiencing homelessness were in foster care or group homes;
• Youth who successfully leave the streets within two years or less are more likely to make a healthy transition to adulthood.Early intervention is key to solving the problem.
The Home Depot Canada Foundation is committed to putting an end to youth homelessness in Canada. On any given night, more than 6,000 young people are without a place to call home. Through The Orange Door Project initiative, the foundation has made a three-year, $10-million pledge to support renovation and repair projects and programs that provide vulnerable youth with access to safe, stable housing and support services. For more information, visit: www.homedepot.ca/foundation