Raise the Rent: Thunder Bay's shelter house launches major fundraiser

Superior Morning9:52Raise The Rent

Takwana Nhau of Thunder Bay's Shelter House explains why it's so important to get people involved in their latest fund raising campaign

Thunder Bay's Shelter House is asking the community to help "Raise the Rent" for those who struggle every month to do just that.

The fundraising event is calling on local businesses and citizens to raise the average cost of shelter for a month in the city.

The money collected will go to help run programs and services at Shelter House.

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Development officer Takwana Nhau said the campaign is also about showing the reality faced by some in our community.

"To show people how difficult it really is to raise rent, like if you are at the end of the month and the rent is due and you only have that one or two days to raise the rent it actually is quite difficult," she said.

Many of those people who can't make ends meet, end up turning to Shelter House for support, Nhau said

"Asking people to raise a minimum of $1,000 dollars — it's an educational piece," she continued.

"If you are a single person you get about $1,000 from Ontario  Works. This campaign is to show how expensive it is."

This is the 12th year for the Shelter House fundraiser.

Last year they raised $11,000 and they hope to more than double that this year.

Everyone who takes part in the campaign is asked to raise $1,000 dollars.

The campaign runs until April 15.