A Fraser Valley hospitality group held its 2nd annual Sleep Out event on Monday night in South Surrey.
The Joseph Richard Group (JRG) raised more than $150,000, which was approximately $35,000 more than the inaugural event last year.
The local business teamed up with Covenant House Vancouver and Youth Unlimited to raise money for homeless youth.
READ MORE: Sleep Out Aims to Help Homeless Youth
CEO and Co-Founder of JRG, Ryan Moreno said, “it was just amazing to see the support this event has generated.”
Moreno first participated in the Covenant House Vancouver Sleep Out: Executive Edition two years ago, which sparked his idea to create a Fraser Valley edition last year.
“Last year was great to see the staff really get behind it but this year it has gone to a whole new level with friends, family and other local business and community leaders getting involved. We hope next year can be even bigger and continue to grow annually.”
A variety of participants met at the parking lot of the Grandview Corners Shopping Centre in South Surrey on the evening of Nov. 5 to spend the night raising money and awareness for youth living on the streets.
Funds raised for the Covenant House go toward helping those who have fled physical, emotional and sexual abuse, have been forced from their homes, or have aged out of foster care.
Youth Unlimited helps vulnerable or marginalized youth in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley to discover their potential through various support programs.
The following businesses organized teams to participate: Dana Matheson (C&D Logistics), Jen Hamilton (Oxygen Yoga), Darian Kovacs (Jelly Marketing), Randy Watson (Village Church), Matt Dryfhout (Scout Technology Guides), Angie Quaale (Well Seasoned), San Bhatha (Southridge Dental), George (A&W South Surrey), Mike Penno (Penno Plumbing), Mackenzie (SPINCO Cloverdale), Ryan Cyr (Semiahmoo Minor Hockey Coaches), Rob Visnjak (Rob Visnjak Personal Real Estate Corporation), Renee (Mountain View Veterinary Hospital), Aaron Steinfeld (Newton Hi Quality Meats), Will Loftus (Game Ready Fitness), Brandon Drewlo (Novacom Building Partners), Dave (Sparo Mortgage Advisors) and Chris Wakefield (Tim Horton’s).
On Nov. 15, Moreno and co-founder Andre Bourque are participating in this year’s Convenat House Vancouver: Executive Edition in downtown Vancouver.
Moreno said plans for the 3rd annual JRG Sleep Out are underway.
Donations are still being accepted and can be submitted online at www.jrgsleepout.com.