Students across numerous programs at St. Clair College spent a 'Rough Night Out' to raise awareness and fundraise much needed dollars for those experiencing homelessness in the Windsor-Essex community.
The event – held on Feb. 20, 2026, at St. Clair College's Main Windsor campus from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. – challenged participants to spend the night outdoors while taking part in games and awareness-building activities.
The event was a huge success, with approximately $9,300 raised for the Windsor Residence for Young Men.
"This year was truly a collaborative effort between a number of different programs," said Melissa Kakuk, the program coordinator for Community and Justice Services (CJS) and Border Services programs. While CJS took the lead, Kakuk said students from Protection, Security and Investigation, Police Foundations, Border Services, Paralegal and the Social Justice and Legal Studies degree program participated.
The Windsor Residence for Young Men supports young men aged 16 to 24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness through housing, aftercare, employment support, and life skills programming.
"We are so grateful to the Community and Justice Services' Club for hosting this very important event and for their participation and partnership in helping to bring students and the broader community together around this important cause," reads a post on the Windsor Residence for Young Men website.
It's a cause close to Lucas Giannetti's heart as his cousin lived in residence for a period.
"Seeing the impact that this program had on my cousin emphasizes the vital significance that these programs have for the young men in Windsor," said Gianetti, who was among the students who took part in the fundraiser. "Initiatives like the 'Rough Night Out' allows me to contribute directly to individuals who need it the most."
Giannetti explains community service is a staple for students in many of the participating programs.
"As a student in the Border Services program, giving back to the community is of high importance," he said. "Community involvement, service, and support align perfectly with my education and future career. Initiatives like 'Rough Night Out' not only benefit the residents directly but strengthen the awareness and the responsibility of our community to unite in support."
Students spent the evening taking part in a number of events to help stay warm, from dancing to trivia, fitness exercises, a pie the professor event and a murder mystery.
While it was a long evening, students learned a lot about each other and themselves.
"Participating in this event is my way of raising awareness and contributing to a compassionate community," Giannetti said.
