The Push For Change Foundation

The Push For Change Foundation is a Canadian registered nonprofit organization focused on ending youth homelessness across the country. Established as a federally registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency, it operates under the business registration number 863616017RR0001.

History and Founding

The foundation's origins trace back to Joe Roberts, a former homeless youth from East Vancouver. In 1989, at a pivotal moment in his life, Roberts made a promise to himself that if he got a second chance, he would pay it forward to others facing homelessness. Having later found success as an entrepreneur, Roberts fulfilled this vow by initiating a national awareness campaign involving an extraordinary journey.

The National Trek

From May 1, 2016, to September 29, 2017, Joe Roberts pushed a shopping cart—a symbol of chronic homelessness—across Canada, covering approximately 9,100 kilometers. Beginning in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and concluding in Vancouver, British Columbia, this 17-month trek aimed to raise awareness and funds to combat youth homelessness. Throughout the journey, Roberts engaged in over 450 school and community events, raising more than $550,000 in support of youth homelessness prevention programs.

Mission and Activities

The Push For Change Foundation operates with a mission to inspire, educate, and empower Canadians to help end youth homelessness. Its programs focus on community engagement and youth empowerment, fostering grassroots involvement across the country.

One of its key initiatives is the Promise Project, which encourages individuals to make a small personal promise to aid the cause of preventing youth homelessness. The project aims to create a ripple effect of commitments leading to safer communities, and offers incentives such as charitable donation contests to further motivate participation.

The foundation also partners with organizations like UA Canada to extend its advocacy and educational efforts, especially targeting students and young people.

Impact and Legacy

Since its inception, The Push For Change Foundation has raised over $530,000 dedicated to youth homeless prevention initiatives. The foundation continues to leverage the momentum from Roberts’ national trek to maintain public awareness and support for this social issue.

By combining inspirational storytelling, direct community engagement, and educational outreach, The Push For Change Foundation stands as a significant contributor to the movement aimed at eradicating youth homelessness in Canada.

See Also

• Homelessness in Canada
• Youth empowerment organizations in Canada

References

Information summarized from The Push For Change official website and charitable registration details provided by CanadaHelps and CharityData sources.