Trek for Teens Foundation By Youth, For Youth

About Us In 2007, a team of high school students from the Toronto area initiated the Toronto Trek for Teens, as per a project of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke’s Camp Enterprise. Since then, the Trek for Teens Foundation has raised over $25,000 for charities helping homeless youth in Toronto. Our mission is to raise awareness on youth homelessness and funds for our affiliated charities. Student Leader Training

Youth Homelessness Over youth are on the streets of Toronto (1999 Government Report): Youth are ages Is it a big city problem? Primary Causes (70%): Domestic Abuse Sexual Abuse Neglect Student Leader Training

Fact or Myth MYTH: Most homeless people live on the street. The FACT is: 60% of street youth are staying in one of Toronto’s youth shelters. 25% staying in an apartment (92% were staying with friends and 'couch surfing'). 15% staying on the street, of which 4% were living in squats, and 9% in parks, alleys, and doorways. Student Leader Training

Fact or Myth MYTH : They Don’t Work The FACT is: Many homeless people are among the working poor. A person earning a minimum wage can’t earn enough to support a family of three or pay inner-city rent. 36% of street youth earn money by panhandling or "squeegeeing". 19% do break and enters or sell drugs. 18% receive social assistance. 17% have paid employment. 10% do sex trade work. Most have worked in the sex trade. 31% including men and women reported engaging in street prostitution, phone or Internet sex, or massage/stripping at least once in their lives. Student Leader Training

Fact or Myth MYTH: They are to blame for being homeless. The FACT is: Most homeless people are victims. Over 70% have experienced some form of sexual, physical or emotional abuse Approximately 65% come from families with substance abuse problems Approximately 20% are struggling with addictions Approximately 33% suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder Student Leader Training

Charities Covenant House: Toronto Horizons for Youth Youth Without Shelter Student Leader Training

Who We Help Covenant House: Toronto Canada’s largest youth shelter 24/7 Outreach Crisis Care Long term housing Wide variety of services Student Leader Training

Who We Help Youth Without Shelter 50 Beds Long term housing Stay in School Program Wide variety of services Student Leader Training

Who We Help Horizons for Youth 24/7 Intake for youth Long term housing 35 Beds Wide variety of services Student Leader Training

Videos Ricardo s “Living out of a Suitcase” qdgXA qdgXA Student Leader Training

The Big Day Trek for Teens Age range: 13 – 18 Race Concerts Fashion Booth Dance Showcase Fair Student Leader Training

The Race -Teams consist 3-5 teens -Challenges -Checkpoints -Detours -Exemptions -Prizes -Minimum $30 Pledge Student Leader Training

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Entertainment Student Leader Training

Small Events Student Leader Training Coffee House Carol to Care Toques Volunteer Days

Important Dates December 13 th – Carol to Care April 10 th – Participant Sign-Up Deadline April 17 th – Volunteer Sign-Up Deadline May TBD – Volunteer Training Day May 23 rd – Toronto Trek for Teens Big Day Student Leader Training

Get Involved! Student Leaders Executive Positions Volunteers Participants Entertainment Student Leader Training

How to Register Register by completing 2 easy steps! 1.Fill out the necessary online forms at Complete the registration by either mailing in the pledges (min. $30 to participate) or submitting them to a Student Leader. Student Leader Training

Connect with Us Director of Organization and Human Resources → Website: Facebook: facebook.com/trekforteens Student Leader Training