Call to support fundraising for over 1,500 homeless on the Sunshine Coast
Organisers of the St Vincent de Paul Corporate and Community Sleepout 2017 are calling on the Sunshine Coast to get behind the 75-plus ‘sleepers’ who will sleep rough in Maroochydore on Thursday night to help raise awareness and funds for the more than 1,500 homeless men, women and children on the Coast.
The group includes local dignitaries, business people and community members and has already raised close to $50,000 for the cause with donations still being accepted.
The Sunshine Coast Business Council has once again thrown its support behind the initiative with Chair Sandy Zubrinich saying she was proud to have 28 members sleeping rough on the night who have collectively raised close to $28,000.
“It’s encouraging to see our members get behind this cause and I have no doubt that after spending a night under the stars – or if you believe the forecast, in the rain – we will all have a better understanding of what our homeless have to deal with on a daily basis,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“This is the third year our membership has supported the event and we call on the local business community to get behind all the sleepers on the night. Every dollar counts and can make a difference to those in need, particularly in the winter months when conditions are harsher.”
“It’s great to see the likes of local members Ted O’Brien, Andrew Wallace, Andrew Powell and Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington supporting this event as well as SCBC members such as representatives from Stockland, Sekisui House, NCP, Midson Construction, Sunshine Coast Airport and Rumba Resort to name but a few.”
St Vincent de Paul Society Northern Diocesian President Ian Laherty said he was delighted that close to 600 people had already donated to the cause which will see funds go towards establishing a supply of transitional housing on the Sunshine Coast.
“In the eight months to 1 March 2017, the St Vincent de Paul Northern Diocese – which stretches from Noosa to Caloundra and out to Maleny – provided support to 400 people experiencing homelessness including 250 children, so the ongoing need for these services is enormous,” Mr Laherty said.
“More than 22 per cent of Australians who find themselves on the streets are homeless due to domestic and family violence. Donations will assist with things like the provision of emergency accommodation and food expenses.”
Mr Laherty said in addition to delivering financial assistance for food, necessary travel, rent and bonds, St Vincent de Paul also connected homeless people in need with other health and education-focused organisations, and provided emotional support to assist over short term crises.
The St Vincent de Paul Corporate and Community Sleepout 2017 will take place on Thursday, 29 June outside the Maroochydore Surf Club. Participants will be provided with a piece of cardboard to sleep on or build a shelter with, and a basic meal of soup, bread rolls, tea and coffee.
To donate to the cause, register to participate or find out more, please visit www.communitysleepout.org.au. Tickets can also be purchased online for a chance to win a CX3 Mazda via the 2017 Vinnies Corporate and Community Sleepout 2017 Art Union draw, with all proceeds being put towards homeless services.