360°kids is an organization dedicated to providing support and resources for homeless and at-risk youth in the York Region. With a mission to create pathways for these young individuals to transition from crisis to safety, 360°kids offers housing, education, employment and wellness services. One of its largest initiatives is the annual 360°Experience, an event designed to raise awareness about youth homelessness and generate funds for the organization’s essential programs and services. For this event, participants commit to spending the night out in the cold to understand some of the challenges that homeless youth in the GTA experience.
In a collaborative effort to amplify this cause, Centennial College international students partnered with 360°kids for their Storyworks campaign. They launched a public relations campaign, "Night of Kindness,” featuring a one-week Random Acts of Kindness Challenge on social media to build momentum in the lead-up for the 360°Experience. This campaign aimed to garner more attention and donations for 360°kids as well as encourage others to participate in the 360°Experience.
The students hosted a “satellite” 360°Experience in the courtyard at the Story Arts Centre on Thursday, February 29. The students braved the cold and intermittently stepped out onto the streets to partake in the challenges provided by their client from the event's main site.
One of the challenges involved going to a local library to seek warmth after spending time in the cold. To achieve this, they had to explain the challenge to the curious staff at the library, who were eager to assist them with the challenge. Their second challenge was to visit a local coffee shop and repeat the same process. These challenges provided a glimpse into the challenges homeless youth face daily, seeking warmth in unconventional places.
By participating in the 360°Experience, the international student team contributed to a meaningful cause and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges homeless youth face. The event serves as an eye-opener, allowing participants to step into the shoes of those less fortunate and experience, even if just for a night, the harsh realities of life without a home.
By stepping into the shoes of the homeless, even for a brief period, these students contributed to raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of the plight of homeless youth. Through such collaborative efforts, 360°kids continues to make strides in empowering at-risk youth and creating a safer future for them.
Article by the Public Relations - Corporate Communications Night of Kindness Team