Sleeping Out raises $159,410 for The Bridge

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — The third annual Sleeping Out at The Bridge fundraiser was held on Friday, October 1 with options to sleep on The Bridge site or to sleep at several satellite sites across the region.

The fundraiser had garnered $159,410.10 in donations by press time this week, with proceeds going toward supporting critical programs at The Bridge Youth Resource Centre. Inside at Bridge Headquarters, emcee Joe Oswald painted a picture for those watching remotely on YouTube, of how the community comes together time and time again to help those in need.

Krista Rempel, Executive Director for The Bridge Youth Centre, poses with members of Guardian of the Children, who teamed with Hogs for Hospice to participate in the Sleeping Out event Friday night, October 1.

“The organizations and business that come together to help this cause are what makes this event so successful,” he said. “We’re raising money, but also raising awareness.”

The event inside The Bridge offered live entertainment as well, which was live-streamed so that participants and donors could tune in.

The live band was led by singer/songwriter Merissa Gleason, a two-year breast cancer survivor from Kingsville, who writes poignant songs about her journey.

Live entertainment included Merissa Gleason, centre, flanked by bandmates Chris Klassen, Xavier Avila and Merissa’s brother Josh.

SUN photo

The Bridge Executive Director Krista Rempel took to the road to visit the satellite locations and report in via the live feed.

The Guardians of the Children Motorcycle Club also participated by visiting satellite locations on their motorcycles.

The top team in fundraising went to UE Enclosures (Corporate), who raised $44,768, while top donors were Essex Weld Solutions and 1859232 Ontario Ltd, who each donated $20,000. Top individual fundraiser was G. Wiens, who raised $10,736.25. Top individual fundraiser who was eligible for an award was Karen Vary who raised $4,254.50.