On Monday, six students began the 10th annual 5 Days for the Homeless at the University of Manitoba, and so far it's been a great experience for them.

The University of Manitoba wants to end youth homelessness, so 5 Days for the Homeless is a campaign they run every year to raise funds and awareness. This year, six students chose to sleep outside.

"The first night was extremely cold," George Semchuk said. Semchuk is one of the students sleeping outside. The group is now on day three of the campaign.

"We're in good spirits, people are checking in on us," Semchuk said. "It's not nearly as bad as real homelessness would be, but we are able to covey and spread awareness about the severity and realness of the problem of youth homelessness in Winnipeg."

The six sleepers have to follow a few rules, including attending all classes, which is the only time they are supposed to spend inside. They also cannot shower or carry cash, identification or a cell phone.

george 5 days homeless

"I miss showering," Semchuk joked. "It's not so bad, knowing that we're able to go home at the end of this week."

Semchuk said they've been eating well and people have been very generous. However, he said they have gotten lots of sugary food and lots of the food they have received freezes before they can use it.

"[Our goal] is that they understand that the youth in Winnipeg who are living on the streets are not there because it's their choice," Semchuk said. "Without support from somebody else, they aren't able to get off the streets . . . all they can focus on when they are outside is survival."

If you want to learn more about the campaign, the students are located right in the middle of the University of Manitoba campus, just across from the administration buildings.

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Students sleeping outside to help end youth homelessness