People like to accuse Gen Y of suffering from bouts of extreme narcissism.

But this Friday, a group of young artistic and community-minded Torontonians will put that notion to the test.

Along with the normal crowds, Friday commuters will find more than 400 high school students crowding 25 of the city’s subway platforms, busking to raise money for Youth Without Shelter as part of Tokens for Change.

Besides receiving course credit for their participation, students like 15-year-old Greenwood College student Micah Laskin, who also participated last year, says it’s important to support your peers.

“I’m a youth myself,” he says.

“Our class is very community service-centred.”

Laskin’s classmate Sasha Goldin also participated in last year’s token drive and helps with a weekly lunch program also associated with the shelter.
 
“It might be mandatory,” she says, “but Greenwood teaches selflessness.”

Located in Etobicoke, Youth Without Shelter opened its doors in 1986.

Today it operates as both a referral agency and emergency shelter for youth 16 to 24.

The money the kids raise goes to buy TTC tokens. Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $30,000 – or 10,000 tokens.

Youth Without Shelter then uses these to help transport people to school, work or job interviews.
 
Greenwood’s grade 11 drama class will be performing improv sketches centred around homeless youth stereotypes.

Often these kids are assumed to be the problem when in reality a number of mitigating factors, like non-supportive families lead to their homelessness.

“They hope to get a job or a good education,” he says.

Beyond helping the shelter, Goldin hopes that events like Tokens for Change raises the profile of youth homelessness in the city.

“It’s important that people realize the importance of helping the homeless youth,” she says.

“It puts life in perspective.”

Tokens For Change takes place Friday, Feb 10. TTC at subway stations citywide.