Media Advisory - "There are solutions" to youth homelessness concludes
Raising the Roof report; Sir Richard Branson calls on Canadians to support
Toque Campaign.

TORONTO , Nov. 12 /CNW/ - 700 homeless youth were interviewed for Raising the Roof's landmark report, Youth Homelessness in Canada: The Road to Solutions. Their experience and insights helped to inform and substantiate the report recommendations. The report concludes that there ARE long-term solutions to youth homelessness in Canada . This event will highlight the youth voice and point to what needs to be done to bring about those solutions.

This event also marks the launch of Raising the Roof's annual National Toque Campaign. Proceeds from the campaign directly fund solutions to youth homelessness in communities across Canada .

Over the course of a year, 65,000 youth across Canada are without a place to call home.

    
    WHAT:     National public release of Raising the Roof's Youth
              Homelessness in Canada: The Road to Solutions report AND Launch
              of Raising the Roof's annual National Toque Campaign. Sir
              Richard Branson, Virgin Group, and Janice Thomson, Direct
              Energy will make significant "calls to action" at this event.

    PHOTO OP: VIPs plus large group of young people wearing Raising the Roof
              toques.

    WHO:      Raising the Roof is Canada's only national charity dedicated
              solely to finding long-term solutions for homelessness.

              VIPs will include:

              Emily, a previously homeless youth from St. John's

              Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group and founder of Virgin Mobile
              Canada - this year's Lead Partner in the Toque Campaign
              Janice Thomson, Executive VP, HR and Communications, Direct
              Energy, Lead Partner for Raising the Roof's Youthworks
              initiative
              Councillor Janet Davis, Chair, Community Development &
              Recreation Committee, City of Toronto

    WHEN:     Thursday, November 19, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
              (Remarks: 10:00-10:30 a.m., interviews/photo ops. follow)

    WHERE:    Dundas Square, 2 Carlton Street, Toronto M5B 1J3
    

For further information: or to arrange an interview contact Susanna Smith: [phone] (office), [phone] (cell), or Maureen Deery: [phone] (office), [phone] (cell)