Sunshine Coast Business Council members are just some of the 120 locals dusting off their sleeping bags and beanies this week to take part in the 2015 Sunshine Coast Vinnies Community Sleepout being held on Thursday, 25 June.
Sleepout participant and Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) Chair Sandy Zubrinich said despite the cold winter temperatures forecast, she was looking forward to taking part in the initiative for the second year running.
“With the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicating around 1,600 people sleep on the streets, in their cars, in crisis accommodation or couch surf every night on the Sunshine Coast, it’s apparent that steps need to be taken to address this serious issue facing our local community,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“The community sleepout is such an important local event as it not only builds awareness of homelessness within our society, but also raises essential funds for services that assist these disadvantaged community members.”
Ms Zubrinich will join fellow SCBC and business community members Bill Darby, Jo Riba, Tony Vickers, Bruce Bennett, Brad Davies, Mark Paddenburg, Peter Pallot, Ben Simpson, Bronwyn Zorgdrager, Phil Smith and Pete Sparkes in taking part in the sleepout.
“Participating in this initiative is incredibly eye-opening, as it really makes you appreciate the simple things many of us take for granted like a roof over our heads, a warm bed and food on the table, and also provides into the challenges so many Sunshine Coast locals face every night,” Ms Zubrinch said.
“As part of the event, we will be provided with a piece of cardboard to sleep on or build a shelter with, as well as a basic meal of soup, bread rolls, tea and coffee.”
“While this may seem inadequate to many of us, the sad reality is that these resources are often more than what many homeless people have access to each day.”
Ms Zubrinich said in participating in the sleepout, she and her colleagues had collectively raised more than $8,000 for the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland.
“St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland is an indispensable organisation within our community and it’s thanks to them that so many homeless people can access food, as well as warm clothing, blankets and support services.”
“Since last year’s event, they have assisted approximately 130 homeless people on the Sunshine Coast alone.”
“We’ll be doing our very best this week to secure some more donations and increase awareness of this very worthy cause.”
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland Homelessness Support Worker Narelle Zingenbine said Sunshine Coast sleepout participants had raised almost $30,000 in the lead-up to this year’s event, and was hoping to reach its target of $50,000 in the coming days.
“We are always incredibly appreciative and awed by the willingness of Sunshine Coast residents and business owners to dig deep and get behind this initiative, and this year is certainly no different,” Ms Zingenbine said.
“Each week we receive more than 100 calls from people on the Sunshine Coast facing homelessness and the community sleepout provides much-needed funds for delivering our programs and services.”
The 2015 Sunshine Coast Vinnies Community Sleepout will take place on Thursday, 25 June at the Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club from 7.00pm until early the following morning. To make a donation, visit www.communitysleepout.org.au.