News Release
4/10/2019
Markham, ON – Over 50 intermediate students and staff from Parkview PS and Coledale PS participated in the 360 Experience challenge in support of homeless youth in York Region and 360 Kids.
Participants spent a full night on the streets living the experiences of homeless youth to better understand the challenges they face on a daily basis and to raise awareness of youth homelessness in York Region.
Students and staff also fundraised in support of 360 Kids and raised nearly $4,000 to support homeless youth.
"Collaborating with 360 Kids allowed us to see a new perspective of youth homelessness. Learning about different socio-economic classes through engaging activities opened our eyes and broke stigmas about youth homelessness," said Kimiya, Grade 8 student from Parkview PS.
“When I first decided to participate in the 360Kids sleepover I never thought of the challenges I would have to face. I simply thought that coming to the sleepover would be effortless and trouble free, but as the night went on, I realized I was mistaken,” said Serena, Grade 8 student from Coledale PS. “This sleepover was truly an eye opening experience and it taught me many valuable lessons.”
“The 360 kids staff set the context and dispelled myths around youth homelessness and York Region Police together with Markham Ward 2 Councillor both shared stories to inspire our Grade 7 and 8 students with the task that was before them,” said Sayeda Datoo, Vice-principal at Coledale PS. “We are hoping that the experience will propel them today and always to be advocates in words and actions towards eliminating youth homelessness in York Region.”
360 Kids is a non-profit organization supporting over 3,400 youth in York Region with a mission to help youth overcome crisis and transition to a state of safety and stability and a vision that every kid has access to a safe home.
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 124,000 students in 178 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow @YRDSB on Twitter.
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