The Story
Joe Roberts, former homeless youth, began pushing a shopping cart across Canada to raise awareness and dollars to end youth homelessness. This national trek started May 1, 2016 from St. John’s, Newfoundland and ended September 29, 2017 in Vancouver, British Columbia: a 9,064km, 17-month journey. The shopping cart is a symbol of Joe’s transformation from youth homelessness. It represents the very outcome we are trying to avoid for future generations of young people.
The Push for Change had a solid team throughout the entire cross Canada tour. Rob “Bobby” Cook and Jamie Orozco supported the campaign behind the wheel driving the support vehicle. Dr Sean Richardson was instrumental as co-founder, mindset coach and training consultant. Marie Roberts was the Campaign Director, chief encourager and doer of all things unseen. This team, combined with thousands of people and groups, mobilized and successfully engaged an entire country.
The Push for Change inspired students, families, police officers, government officials and front line workers to work towards ending youth homelessness in their communities. Along the way, The Push for Change team met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, spoke at We Day Family, raised $570,000 and hosted over 450 school and community events.
The Push for Change legacy continues today through inspiration, education and youth empowerment. By working closely with educators, police and local agencies we continue to work towards ending youth homelessness through The Promise Project campaign.
Not everyone can walk across Canada, but everyone can make one small promise for change.
