Youth helping youth: 500 students join in Winter Walk to help homeless youth

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009, TORONTO:
     More than 500 Toronto-area students will skip classes today - with
                      full support from their teachers!TORONTO, March 9 /CNW/ - Students from Sterling Hall School, Branksome
Hall, Havergal College, St. Andrew's College, St. Clement's School, Trafalgar
Castle School and Upper Canada College will come together on Tuesday, March 10
for a 16k walk in support of homeless youth. Last year several of the schools
raised $10,000 to help the homeless. This year there are more schools on board
and even more youthful enthusiasm.
    "We were so pleased with the success of the Winter Walk last year," says
Luke Coles, Vice Principal of Student Life at Sterling Hall School. "We were
looking for a meaningful way to bring students together from different
schools. Working with the Floyd Honey Foundation, we have been able to achieve
that while benefitting both the students and our community."

    The students will set out from Sterling Hall at 8:30 a.m., taking a quick
break at Upper Canada College at 11:00 a.m. and then completing their 16k
journey down Avenue Road and University Avenue, ending just north of Princes'
Gates on Strachan Avenue.

    Proceeds from the walk will go to the Floyd Honey Foundation which will
share the funds equally between Eva's Phoenix - a transitional housing and
training facility for homeless youth - and Raising the Roofs Youthworks
initiative, aimed at breaking the cycle of youth homelessness in Canada.
    Floyd Honey, a retired minister, died in 2002. Inspired by his life-long
passion for the homeless poor, his family and friends hold an annual walk
(Walking Home) to raise funds to support the homeless. "We are delighted that
these schools and their students have decided to support this important cause
for a second year," remarks Mary Ann Archer, Founder & Chair, Floyd Honey
Foundation. "They are putting a lot of work into making this event a big
success. It is wonderful to see youth helping youth."Media photo opps:

    8:30 a.m.    start of walk at Sterling Hall School, 99 Cartwright Avenue
    11:00 a.m.   students gather at Upper Canada College (arena parking lot)
                 for short break

    For more information on walk participants/beneficiaries go to:
    Floyd Honey Foundation: www.walkinghome.ca; www.sterlinghall.com;
    www.raisingtheroof.org; www.evasinitiatives.com

For further information: Media Contacts: Susanna Smith, for Floyd Honey
Foundation: [phone] (office), [phone] (cell); Maria Jordan,
Sterling Hall School, [phone]