Camping for a Cause

The front lawn of New Brunswick’s Legislature transformed into a campsite where groups gathered to raise money for Fredericton’s homeless youth.

12 Hours for Homeless Youth is an annual fundraiser for Fredericton’s Chrysalis house. The campout has been around since the early 90s. It started as a way to raise money to build Chrysalis House and now its funds go to supporting the organization. 

Participants were provided with games to play throughout the night and a dance floor where they were taught Fitpop to help keep warm as temperatures approached zero degrees.

Program coordinator, Sarah Caissie, spent this year working on rebranding the event by changing the name from 12 Hours for Homeless and organizing an online donation system. 

“We really wanted to highlight who the target demographic is that we are supporting.” 

Caissie said the transition has caused a smaller turnout than previous years but the online donations make it easier for people who cannot attend the campout to contribute.

Still, a variety of groups came to show their support and their construction skills.

Each group was provided with a variety of cardboard to help them construct their shelter for the night. Groups were otherwise in charge of bringing their own camping and building supplies.

“We have high school students, university students, church youth groups, we have some of the business community here as well. It’s really open for anyone and everyone.”

Some people even traveled from other parts of New Brunswick to participate in the event. 

Svien Svienson came from Grand Manan to show his support for the work the Chrysalis House does. 

“We don’t have anything like Youth in Transition or Chrysalis House on Grand Manan but we have some youth that are at risk and I got to know a few of them through other programs,” said Svienson. 

Svienson said this trip is his way of showing his support for the young people in his community as well as Fredericton. 

He built a cardboard boat to represent the fishing community he traveled from. He named his shelter Hope.

Awards were given for most authentic and most creative shelters. Svienson was the runner up for most creative shelter. 

“Hope keeps you afloat,” said Svienson. “We’re just hoping it won’t rain because I don’t think it’ll float.”

The campout raised over $16 thousand.