Canadian construction boss sleeps rough for homeless

A senior Canadian construction executive slept rough last week to help raise cash for thousands of homeless youth in Toronto.

Bruce Sonnenberg gave up the comforts of home to sleep on the cold, damp streets of the city with nothing more than a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard on 19 November.

For the estimated 10,000 homeless youth on Toronto’s streets each year, basic needs like food, a warm bed, and safe shelter are true luxuries– Bruce Sonnenberg, PCL Toronto

Vice president and district manager of building firm PCL Toronto, Sonnenberg raised more than $35,000 from other construction industry people, family and friends.

He joined over a thousand business leaders in 16 North American cities sleeping rough to raise funds for homeless youth.
Collectively, the group in Toronto exceeded their $1 million fundraising goal for the ‘Sleep Out‘ campaign put on by charity Covenant House.

“For the estimated 10,000 homeless youth on Toronto’s streets each year, basic needs like food, a warm bed, and safe shelter are true luxuries,” said Sonnenberg, who has participated in the event twice now.

“Instead of experiencing the joys of childhood that we may take for granted with our own families, these kids face life-or-death situations every day,” he added.

Photograph: Building firm VP Bruce Sonnenberg raised more than $35,000 from industry associates and friends (PCL Toronto)