The group of students out in front of Stauffer Library this week are working hard to get some attention.

Wearing bright orange T-shirts, dancing, talking on a bullhorn, it’s hard to miss them.

It’s all being done in an effort to raise awareness and funds in support of youth homelessness.

This week members of Queen’s Project on International Development (QPID) are taking part in the 5 Days for Homelessness in support of the Kingston Youth Shelter. The group is hoping to raise $5,000 through donations as well as raise awareness about youth homelessness in Kingston and across the country.

Some students are braving the night cold to gain a better sense of the issue, explains Jenn Watson (Artsci’17), the coordinator of the event.

“We’re here 24/7 advocating for stopping the stigma surrounding youth homelessness and getting people talking about it because it is a pretty invisible issue,” she says. “I think being here all the time and sleeping over really gives the volunteers a good perspective of why we’re doing this.”

Queen’s is one of 22 universities across Canada taking part in the campaign.

Donations can be made to the students at the corner of Universty Avenue and Union Street or online.

QPID is a student-run organization that aims to stimulate more awareness of global problems facing their generation both in Canada and globally.