Remember that time you woke up five minutes before your class with required attendance? You jolted out of bed, threw on clothes and boots, definitely didn’t brush your teeth — no time for that — and ran out your door, flinging on your backpack and nearly forgetting your coat. Twelve years ago, something similar happened to a resident of Siegfried — only he did forget his coat. The mistake resulted in an uncomfortable and rushed walk to class, but along his way, a profound thought came to him: How do people survive this cold every day when their economic status does not provide them with enough substance for a home? This Rambler did not let the thought be a fleeting one. Shortly after that morning, he motivated himself and a few friends to go out in the cold with only skivvies to solicit a few donations for South Bend’s Center for the Homeless, and a tradition was born.This Wednesday, the burly lads of Siegfried will once again proudly brave the wintry February cold, to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the South Bend community who lack the privilege of owning a home. Dressing in shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops and sometimes even less, the men of Siegfried will be spreading their mission throughout campus in classrooms, sidewalks and dining halls in the hopes of eliciting donations for the Center for the Homeless. Homelessness impacts hundreds of thousands of people across the United States every year. It disproportionately affects our nation’s veterans and causes irreparable damage to the bright futures of many children. During these cold winter months, those who suffer from homelessness face the additional physical risks that come with endless hours in unbearable temperatures and harsh winds, with little opportunity for shelter or relief from the conditions. Over the last 12 years, we’ve been freezin’ for a reason: to raise money to support and aid the homeless in our South Bend community. We cannot do this without your help.We are calling upon you, Notre Dame, to recognize that we are extremely fortunate, and because of that, our community needs to assist those who do not have the dorms or meal plans that we hold. Sacrifice a few main circle cab fares or a few Ubers to Finnie’s so that we — as a community — can fight for those who sacrifice every day just to make ends meet. If you are strapped for cash on Wednesday, Day of Man has an online donation site where you, friends and family can all donate to this worthy fundraiser. The Ramblers are taking one day to stand with our brothers and sisters in the cold in order to bring this opportunity of service to you. Please sacrifice a few dollars to contribute to the mission.Be cold. Be bold. Be a man.
Michael Hernick
senior
Isaac Althoff
senior
Patrick Davis
junior
Feb. 2
