Katrina Guenther is trying to make a difference for homeless youth, one pair of jeans at a time.
Guenther, 22, is the driving force behind Delta’s Teens for Jeans campaign, an initiative that collects pairs of jeans to donate to Covenant House in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
“I just have a passion for kids and youth and I just wanted to give back,” Guenther said. “I knew that Covenant House does some really amazing stuff with youth and there’s just thousands of youth on the street. So if I could give them something as easy a pair of jeans, I don’t know why [I wouldn’t].”
The Burnsview Secondary grad first ran the event two years ago, collecting 80 pairs of jeans. This year she decided to do it again, and set a goal of 100 pairs.
So far, she’s collected over 300 pairs, thanks in part to support from Mayor Lois Jackson and Delta council.
Guenther posted about her campaign on the North Delta Community Corner Facebook page, where it came to Jackson’s attention.
Soon after, Jackson brought it to council’s attention and collection boxes were set up in all of Delta’s recreation centres and at Municipal Hall.
“We all have the ability to make small impacts in this world and no matter how small, it can make a huge difference in the lives of others,” Guenther said. “You just have to be willing to try.”
The Teens for Jeans campaign will continue through March 31. Anyone looking to donate a pair of gently used or new jeans can either drop them off at any Delta recreation centre or the municipal hall, or contact Guenther by email at katrinaguenther@live.ca to arrange for pick up.