Sleep Out Vancouver and Fast and Furious fundraiser to raise awareness for Vancouver's homeless youth

While the annual Welfare Food Challenge had Vancouver participants experiencing the challenges and impact of what it's like to live on $18 of food for a week, another awareness-raising campaign will have everyone from local TV personalities to CEOs sleeping out on the streets.

The executive edition of Sleep Out Vancouver, to be held on November 17, will see local business leaders sleeping outdoors in solidarity with homeless youth and to raise funds for Covenant House, which helps young people who have no home or place to go to.

(Other editions of the event have focused on young professionals, mothers, and students.)

Participants will only be allowed to have a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard to sleep on.

Among the notable names who have signed on for the event are restaurateur Vikram Vij, former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe, Vancouver Police Department superintendent Daryl Wiebe, Vancouver Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi (and his son Ryan), Coast Capital Savings president and CEO Don Coulter, and Love it or List it Vancouver co-host Todd Talbot.

Meanwhile, Talbot will also be hosting a fundraising event prior to Sleep Out Vancouver, also to benefit Covenant House.

The Fast, the Furious, and the Fashionable will feature a night of cars, food, and high-end scotch tastings for 50 gentlemen.

It'll be held at Strellson Vancouver (1108 Alberni Street) on November 4 from 7 to 11 p.m.

The evening will kick off with guests having the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce, a BMW i8, or an Audi R8.

At the Alberni Street store, Strellson fashion director David Altow will provide style tips as guests shop with the opportunity save 30 percent on purchases. Fairmont Vancouver Airport chef Colin Burslem will provide bites while high-end scotch and Trading Post Beer will be available to drink.

Limited tickets are available online for $250 (a tax receipt from Covenant House will be issued), and donations are welcome.

For more information about Sleep Out Vancouver or to donate, visit Covenant House Vancouver's website.