Raptors fans offer slices of happiness to Toronto’s homeless

By Betty Wondimu

A group of Raptors fans are determined to put big cheesy smiles on some of Toronto’s most vulnerable faces.

100 for the Homies is bringing the issue of youth homelessness to light in their own way by collecting free pizza vouchers after Raptors games and donating them to local youth shelters the next morning.

One of the founders, Mathew Mikhaiel, said his goal is to expose the issues of homelessness in Toronto among other fans and hopefully start a chain reaction of awareness.

This issue became particularly important for Mikhaiel after he was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and recently sought help for the first time in years.

“Mental health can affect anyone and had it not been for the support I had from close friends and family, I may have very well ended up in a shelter,” he said.

All fans who attend a winning home-game where the Raptors’ score over 100 points are eligible to redeem a free cheese or pepperoni slice from Pizza Pizza with their ticket stubs the next day.

The group has already donated over 1,800 pizza vouchers to eight homeless shelters this month, including Covenant House, Yonge Street Mission, Seaton House and Turning Point Youth Shelter.

Mikhaiel said he is already overwhelmed by all the support for the group in one month, but he’s delighted it’s gaining momentum.

He said he hopes to make this initiative a staple next season and reach as many people as possible while the Raptors are in the playoffs.

You can follow their Twitter page to find out where they’ll be collecting tickets after games at the Air Canada Centre.

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