What was it?

The Push for Change was a 17 month-long-adventure started on the east coast in St. John’s. This incredible journey was born from the imagination of Joe Roberts, a successful Canadian businessman. Joe Roberts experienced homelessness as a teen and young adult in Vancouver after his father died and he was left without any support. Although it was a rough time, he was able to connect with the right people who could help him get back on his feet.

What challenge?

The Push for Change’s challenge was simply to cross the country from east to west, an approximate 9,000 km walk. He started from St. John’s, NL on May 1, 2016, and ended in Vancouver, BC, on September 29, 2017. Joe Roberts walked and pushed a shopping cart, often a symbol of homelessness, the whole way.

Why did he do it?

This long walk across Canada aimed to increase awareness of youth homelessness and to raise funds to end it.

There were three main goals behind The Push for Change:

  • Engage the country in conversations about homelessness;
  • Empower youth;
  • Spark a grassroots movement to prevent youth homelessness in Canada.

What’s the link between Raising the Roof and Push for Change?

We are proud and honoured to say that part of the funds raised during this amazing year and a half challenge will go to Raising the Roof’s Upstream project. (See more about the Upstream Project). We truly believe that preventing homelessness today is the key to ending homelessness tomorrow.

What was gained?

Dedicated thanks for help and support:

We would like to thank “The Push for Change” and Joe Roberts, for his generous donation. Thank you to each and every person who made a donation, liked/shared a picture on our social networks, joined the challenge and shared our story.

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Reminder:

If you couldn’t participate in this incredible challenge, or if you want to continue to support us and prevent homelessness, you can do so by:

Getting informed on our website / Subscribing to our newsletter Making a donation Buying a toque Volunteering