Arlene Dickinson is the face of entrepreneurial ingenuity. She is recognizable through her measured and thoughtful presence on the CBC series, Dragons’ Den. She is CEO and sole-owner of Venture Communications. She ascended the ranks to become one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100. She is the bestselling author of Persuasion and founder of Arlene Dickinson Enterprises (ADE). On November 15, she will effectively become homeless for the night, with nothing but a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard.

Dickinson is co-chairing Sleep Out- Executive Edition. A group of senior executives will sleep outside without the luxurious comforts of home. They will face the elements just as countless others do on a nightly basis. This initiative is to raise awareness and funds for Covenant House, Canada’s largest homeless youth shelter.

Covenant House is dedicated to providing shelter, care and support to homeless youth; twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. There are some 11,000 homeless youth in Canada. 70% cite physical, verbal, sexual abuse and/or neglect as reasons for leaving their homes. It is extremely daunting to get out of the mire of homelessness without familial support, education, basic healthcare, food and shelter.

One assumes that a marketing mogul would know little about what it is like to be without basic food and shelter. Few know of her modest beginnings, emigrating from South Africa as a young girl. Toronto Standard asked about her interest and involvement with Covenant House.

Toronto Standard: Can you tell me a little about your life growing up?

Arlene Dickinson: We came to Canada, as many immigrants do – with very few personal possessions and no cash.  Having fifty dollars, a family of five and landing in a new country is a challenge for sure. Thankfully my parents taught us about the value and the opportunities coming to Canada provided us with. That experience made me grateful for where I live and opened a world of possibilities as a result.

TS:  Have you ever been in a position before where you were wondering where your next meal was coming from or where you would sleep that night? What motivated you to become a part of this project?

A. Having groceries in the house when I was younger was an event. We did not have the privilege or ability to shop every week and sometimes there was little food in our fridge and cupboards. It was always a big deal when we did shop. My mother made a lot of homemade soups and food in order to make ends meet, and I learned from that. What has motivated me to become part of this Covenant House project is the simple realization that children are our future. We have to tend to them in order to take care of the future. Having your own kids really gives you perspective.

TS:  Homelessness in TO is a major problem, particularly among young people. What do you think people can do to help alleviate this problem?  What people in particular have impressed you with their dedication to help improve the situation of others?

A. It’s tough being young in today’s world. Honestly, it’s even hard for kids who do have support at home. Can you imagine what it’s like to grow up today and have no support at all? We can all contribute and make these kids productive and happy. It starts with reaching out and caring. Caring isn’t based on if you are wealthy or not. It comes from inside and has to do with who we are as people. As a nation we are a careful, deliberate and principled. We need to ensure that we protect our youth as one of our best natural resources. They will build the further of this country. They need, just like we did as kids, direction and help. In Vancouver there is a man, Mark Brand, who exemplifies the qualities of dedication to helping others thru his business efforts. Mark Brand does much through his efforts with Save on Meats to make food affordable and to employ people who deserve a break.

TS: Have you ever done anything of this nature before? Why did you choose Covenant House to support? 

A. I have never slept on the streets. I can’t even begin to imagine what it will be like, but I am prepared to try because sometimes walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is the only way to really understand the situation they are facing. It’s too easy to sidestep people on the streets. I want to do more, and I need to do more. Covenant House has been helping homeless youth for decades. Who better for me to support than those people who are experts at getting youth back on their feet, feeling good about themselves and being productive. I’m proud to be the honorary co-chair of Covenant House Toronto’s inaugural Sleep Out event along with Leafs’ GM Brian Burke on November 15.

As many as 10,000 homeless kids are on Toronto each year. Covenant House helps about 3,500 kids annually. Covenant House offers a foundation for kids who are struggling. They offer food, shelter, job training, education, counseling and health care to get kids standing on their feet.

For more information, or to donate to the Covenant House Executive Sleep Out, please visit here.

Covenant House on Facebook.

Covenant House on Twitter.

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Tiffy Thompson is a writer and illustrator for the Toronto Standard.  Follow her on Twitter at @tiffyjthompson. 

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