Strong winds and rain did not dampen the spirits of Simon Fraser University students who spent 24 hours on the streets of downtown Vancouver on the weekend to raise money for homeless youth.

Student organizer Joanne Leung said the experience was better than they expected, despite the bad weather.

Around 15 students spent the day and night outside the Vancouver Art Gallery to raise money for Covenant House and awareness of the issues faced by homeless youth.

“It’s tough on the streets, for sure,” Leung said. “But one day on the streets just can’t even begin to give us the knowledge of what it’s like to be there everyday.”

Leung said Good Samaritans donated a tarp to help them keep dry, and the students told stories and jokes to pass the time.

The students were also given food – mostly Timbits as well as bagels and cinnamon buns – much of which they donated to other needy people downtown.