For 36 hours, 10 Saskatoon residents were given the opportunity to get a glimpse of what it’s like living on the streets with HIV. It was all part of the Sanctum Survivor Challenge.
“The worst is the loneliness of not knowing anyone and how that must feel for someone when they’re all by themselves and they’re in Saskatoon, with no where to go and no one to talk to,” said Shirley Isbister, a challenge participant.
“People avert their eyes and there’s a way in which homeless people become invisible, because we’re challenged by them, threatened by what they’re asking. We know there’s something being demanded of us and so we don’t look,” said Donald Bolan, who was also taking part in the challenge.
“People ignored us and they didn’t look at us.”
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The 10 survivors had to attempt to live on the streets, completing tasks like washing clothing and getting medication.
“We learned a lot of things actually, things you wouldn’t even think of. For instance getting ID. If you don’t have any ID. You kind of need ID to get ID. It’s very challenging,” said Jay Semko, challenge participant.
The idea is a city-wide fundraiser hosted by Sanctum Care Group, Saskatchewan’s first HIV hospice and transitional care home.
Survivors had to pan-handle for money, which was used for basic necessities but also to raise money to help purchase a building for Sanctum 1.5, a 10-bed care home to support HIV positive pre-natal and pregnant women.
“We’ve had three HIV positive babies in the last year and two in Saskatoon so all of this money goes towards that,” Isbister said.
Participants said the experience was eye-opening and they have a message to share.
“Just don’t judge people on the streets. Everyone is dealt a different deck of cards and everybody has to play what they’re dealt and some of these people obviously are dealing with addictions and different problems, but we’re all in the world together so if you can help out, help out,” said Brad Johner, challenge participant.
“We have to have compassion for everybody and also we have to realize we’re all the same, we’re all humans,” Semko added.
Sanctum Care Group board members said around $100,000 had been raised as of Saturday morning.