On February 16, 2017, a former homeless youth and current entrepreneur, Joe Roberts will be pushing a shopping cart, (a symbol of chronic homelessness) on the ice road between Moose Factory and Moosonee. The Push for Change is a 9000 km, 517 day trek across Canada to raise awareness and funds for ending youth homelessness.

The Moosonee/Moose Factory Team has organized several events that will take place.

  • At 12:15 p.m. Joe Roberts will attend the Northern Lights Secondary School and share his personal story as a former street youth and how his pivotal encounter with an OPP officer brought about change. Joe is dedicated to sharing the “possibility” mindset with others who may be going through their own challenge. The public is invited to attend this presentation.
  • At 2:00 p.m. Joe will attend the John R. Delaney Youth Centre in Moose Factory to present to the youth who are participating in the weekend Youth Force program. The public is also invited to this presentation.
  • At 3:00 p.m. Joe will walk on the ice road from the Eco Lodge in Moose Factory to Mcauley’s hill in Moosonee. He will pushing the same shopping cart that he is pushing across Canada. The public is invited and encouraged to join him on this walk.
  • Finally at 4:00 p.m. a “Sliding Party” will be hosted on Mcauley’s hill. This will give the public a chance to meet Joe while enjoying a fun time with their families. A bonfire will help keep everyone warm while they enjoy sliding, hot dogs, hot chocolate and maple taffy in snow.

Those seeking to learn more or to donate can do so at www.pushforchange.com. Funds raised by the Push for Change Foundation will go to the Upstream Project to help implement an evidence-based partnership with schools utilizing a model of early intervention for young people who are at risk of disengaging from school, becoming homeless and entering the justice system.

Filed under: Local News