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Learning first-hand about youth homelessness

Students deliver food donation and learn about Barrie's only youth homeless shelter.
youth haven (1)
Students from St. Monica's Catholic School delivered food donations to Youth Haven in Barrie.

A group of young social justice warriors took to the streets of Barrie Tuesday afternoon, delivering several shopping carts filled with groceries to the Youth Haven homeless shelter.

The children, members of the Social Justice Tribe at St. Monica's School, walked about 30 minutes from their Steel Street school to the shelter located on Wellington Street as a show of support for homeless youth in the city.

Their carts were filled with food collected during the Scare Hunger and other food drives held this fall.

"This is a great opportunity for the students to come and see where the food is going and who they are helping," said teacher Cathy Barry. "It's been a great experience and this makes the experience real."

When they arrived at the shelter, home to up to 25 youth aged 16 to 25, students toured the building and spent time asking questions.

Nathan Sykes, executive director at Youth Haven, was very impressed by the contribution and the interest shown by the youngsters.

"This is important, not only because of the food, but there's something very special when I see kids doing this," Sykes said.

"It's inspiring to see social justice committees in place at schools and the great work that they are doing."

The only youth shelter in the city can accommodate 25 male and female residents and beds are always filled.

"That's why donations like this are so important," Sykes said. "And very appreciated by everyone here."

He also recognized the "powerful symbolism" of students pushing shopping cares along the street.

"This is very symbolic of someone who is homeless and they carry their whole life around with them in a shopping cart."

"I'd really like to thank the students for their hard work and generosity."


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Robin MacLennan

About the Author: Robin MacLennan

Robin MacLennan has been a reporter, photographer and editor for the daily media in Barrie, across Simcoe County and Toronto for many years. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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