LETHBRIDGE- Mike Masonville is lacing up his shoes in hopes of making strides in the fight to end homelessness in Alberta.
“It’s an awareness and education campaign and a fundraising campaign for homelessness but more specifically, for what I believe the solution to end homelessness is, and that’s the housing first initiative,” adds Masonville.
The campaign is called Highway to Hope, and on July 18th he will set out on foot from the Provincial Building in Medicine Hat. He will then travel to Lethbridge before heading to Calgary, then Red Deer and finally finishing his journey in Edmonton at the legislature.
“I realized that I had something to offer and that perhaps I could do something that was bigger than myself,” he adds.
Diane Randell with the City of Lethbridge says Masonville’s eagerness to see change has been inspirational.
“That’s cause for celebration. It means that an individual and or group have embraced the face the fact that homelessness is not acceptable in our community or any community in our province.”
It was the direct contact Masonville had with the less fortunate that spurred him to jump in, feet first. He worked at a homeless shelter in Medicine Hat, seeing and hearing their daily struggles.
“A lot of clients that would come in would tell stories about how they were being marginalized or being stigmatized by those in the community, things like they can’t get ahead because they are staying in a shelter.”
As he walks his way across Alberta, he hopes to see the communities come together – celebrating his travels and opening their wallets.
“Im hoping it sort of takes on a life of its own and everyone pitches in to make this a success.”
Randell says she will be watching his journey along the way.
“It’s very inspiring and we will be here to cheer him on.”
He will be tracking his journey on Facebook at Highway To Hope as well as his website. Anyone looking to participate, donate or plan an event in their community along the way for Masonville’s journey is encouraged to contact him.
Comments