Queen’s students unite to raise funds and awareness to support homeless

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

A dedicated group of Queen’s University students, known as The Kindness Collective, have joined in efforts to support Kingstonians experiencing homelessness.

The group was formed in December, with the goal of fundraising for Lionhearts Inc., a local non-profit, and their Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk. Their first fundraising effort, a bake sale supported by local bakeries, raised over $300. They have gone on to exceed their initial goal of $2,500, raising $3,190. 

On February 22, they participated in the Coldest Night of the Year event, walking to raise awareness about homelessness and its challenges during winter.  

Co-director of The Kindness Collective Sheyen Heybati shared, “The event was truly a moment of inspiration and just gratitude… the whole community came together to support the cause.”

The Kindness Collective already has plans for future events, with a new fundraising target of $3,500.

Listen to the full story here.