On Monday, Nov. 13, more than 25 employees of the Joseph Richard Group will brave the cold and sleep on the street outside the Oak & Thorne restaurant on 88 Avenue and 200 Street.
Seeing around 20 to 30 people in sleeping bags outside the popular Oak & Thorne is certainly going to draw some attention.
But that鈥檚 the point, says Joseph Richards Group鈥檚 co-founder Ryan Moreno, who has participated in Covenant House鈥檚 annual sleep-out for a couple of years now. JRG, which employs more than 900 people at more than 10 local restaurants, has a heart for helping young people who find themselves homeless.
The staff members participating in the 91原创 sleep-out, including Matthew Stowe, JRG鈥檚 company director of culinary operations and former winner of TV鈥檚 Tops Chef Canada , will brave the cold in 91原创 and stay overnight outside in their efforts to raise money and awareness for Covenant House, which houses and supports homeless youth.
Staff will sleep outside three JRG restaurants Monday night. The other two sleep-outs are at S+L Kitchen & Bar in South Surrey and Townhall in Maple Ridge.
The JRG executive team will also be sleeping out at Covenant House Vancouver鈥檚 Sleep Out: Executive Edition which will be held three days after their own sleep-out.
鈥淲e are all fortunate to have a roof over our head and a bed to sleep in,鈥� said Moreno.
鈥淟ast year, Matt and I spent a cold night on the street and got a glimpse into what a night is like for those who are less privileged. We also learned a great deal about the important work Covenant House does and how they support at-risk youth from around the Lower Mainland,鈥� said Moreno.
It鈥檚 a cause that 鈥渟truck a chord with our guests, as well as our employees, whose ages are largely the same as the young adults Covenant House helps,鈥� Moreno added.
JRG has almost reached its goal to raise $50,000 this year.
JRG has four restaurants in 91原创 with a fifth expected to open soon in Walnut Grove.
The company鈥檚 Sleep Out donation page is at jrg.ca/sleepout.
Covenant House
Vancouver provides shelter, food, clothing and counselling to 1,400 young people
through its drop-in, street outreach and residential programs.
Files from Surrey Now Leader reporter Tom Zillich
