Man pushing shopping cart across Canada making his way through east Algoma this week

The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police has organized several events that will take place throughout the week of Jan. 22 to 29.

Motorists are asked to drive extra carefully and slow down when approaching or passing Joe Roberts as he walks along Highway 17 throughout the East Algoma region.

Roberts, a former homeless youth and current entrepreneur will be pushing a shopping cart, a symbol of chronic homelessness throughout the East Algoma region.

Push for Change is a 9000 kilometre, 517-day trek across Canada to raise awareness and funds for ending youth homelessness.

On Jan. 25, Roberts will be in Blind River.  

There will be a luncheon at WC Eaket Secondary School from 11:30 to 12:30, and from 1:30 to 2:30, Roberts will be at Ecole Jeunesse Nord, Alain Bray Auditorium. Various grades from neighbouring schools are also invited to attend.

On Jan. 26, Roberts will be in the Thessalon, Bruce Mines and Desbarats area.

A 'Meet and Greet' will take place at the Thessalon Public School and the Bruce Mines Arthur Henderson Public School in the morning. Arrival times to schools has not been confirmed at press time.

The next stop for Roberts is Central Algoma Secondary School at 1:45 pm to walk with Grade 7/8 students with a presentation to follow at 2 pm.

To donate or learn more about Push for Change, go to www.thepushforchange.com.

Funds raised by the Push for Change Foundation will go to the Upstream Project to help implement an evidence-based partnership with schools utilizing a model of early intervention for young people who are at risk of  disengaging from school, becoming homeless and entering the justice system.