Upsilon-Kappa Chapter's "TKE in a Box" Sets Two New Records

PETERBOROUGH Ont. - Upsilon-Kappa (Trent University) Chapter's annual "TKE in a Box" philanthropy event set two new records for the group this year. Every year, the chapter builds a shelter in a public space using pallets and boxes to raise awareness and funds for local homeless shelters. This year, three Fraters spent 72 hours in a row sleeping in the box in the middle of a Canadian winter. As the Fraters usually work in shifts, this marks the longest consecutive stretch they have ever stayed in the shelter. They also set a new record by raising $2,570 for a homeless shelter, One Roof Community Centre, and a housing support service, One City Peterborough.

Of the philanthropy event, Frater Christopher Mills had this to say:

"This event is important to the community because the province of Ontario has just gotten out of a lockdown, and everyone in the community was feeling the effects since it lasted over two months. As well, the city of Peterborough is experiencing a housing crisis due to the lack of homes and an increased amount of people experiencing homelessness. The event is important to the brothers as we want to contribute what we can to the community. We all are deeply passionate individuals who want to play our part in solving our city's issues. It gave us an opportunity to have some face-to-face contact with our brothers in a very meaningful way." 

The group worked very closely with Peterborough's Deputy Police Chief Tim Farquharson in promoting the event, which drew many prominent local citizens, including notable journalist Michelle Ferreri and Crown Attorney Frank Schwalm (the equivalent of District Attorney).

Camille Parents is a local entrepreneur and chair of Peterborough Cares, one of Upsilon-Kappa's partner organizations. Along with a message of gratitude for the chapter, he shared that he was quite touched by how "empathetic and compassionate these young students are."

"This is most certainly the most excitement and attention we are bringing to the cause. No one should ever be without a roof over their heads, no one," said Parents.

To learn more about the story, contact the Upsilon-Kappa Chapter or visit the links below.

Contact Upsilon-Kappa

Learn More About The Event:

The Peterborough Examiner
Michelle Ferrericom on Facebook
The Peterborough Examiner

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