Elliot Lake home builder and 2022 candidate for City Council Richard Laurin has promised to donate $1,250 to Mayor Dan Marchisella's fundraising effort in aid of the local men's shelter, Larry's Place.
The mayor is camped out on city-owned land at 151 Ontario Ave. this week, aiming to sleep in a cardboard box for five days.
By so doing, he hopes to collect $5,000 for Elliot Lake Women's Centre which operates Maplegate women's shelter and Larry's Place.
In a statement, Laurin promised to back the mayor's effort, noting he's proud of him.
"My challenge and commitment if mayor Dan completes five full days sleeping outside as a homeless person I will donate $250 a night for five days and if he completes the full five days I will donate a $2,000 bonus to the Elliot Lake food bank, on or about July 6. Make us proud Dan," Laurin stated.
"I was homeless back in the day for a short time. It was very hard to eat every 48 hours. You made me proud to see you out there," he concluded.
Donations can be made at the mayor's GoFundMe page or online at the City of Elliot Lake website.