Loaves and Fishes’ second annual Homeless for Night event will be held on June 22.
Last year 12 people learned what it was like to be homeless in Red Deer and raised about $13,000 for the soup kitchen.
This year organizers wanted to spread the word early.
“It generated so much interest. Everybody kept telling us they’d like to take part but they didn’t have time to get organized,” said executive director Halina Jarvis on Tuesday.
They hope to attract 50 people this year who will pair up to spend a day on the streets with just a toonie in their pocket, and a bottle of water.
Jarvis, who participated last year, said it was an eye-opener despite the work she does.
“You know what got me is being without my ID. All of a sudden you’re out on the street with a toonie and no ID. It’s the strangest feeling.”
Each person must raise at least $250 to participate.
The first three participants to raise $1,000 will get to sleep in a cushy bed. The rest will be sleeping that night on the floor at Loaves and Fishes.
All the money raised will go help pay operational costs at the soup kitchen that serves 600 suppers a week and provides 250 school lunches daily for children in need.
For more information or to register call Nadine or Jarvis at Loaves and Fishes at 403-347-1869.