Annual sleepout to lift awareness
“Winter has finally arrived in Sydney, and we need to ensure that we don’t leave the most vulnerable members of our communities out in the cold,” said Vinnies NSW CEO, Jack de Groot.
The sleepout – on Thursday, June 20 – is a way for business leaders to raise money towards vital programs, counselling, healthcare, accommodation and food provided by Vinnies for people experiencing homelessness.
The latest census figures show that there are 37,715 people experiencing homelessness in NSW.
The reasons and the way in which people are finding themselves homeless are changing. Homelessness in women 55 plus and young people 12-24 years old is on the rise.
NSW Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward, has pledged to join the sleepout.
He said he has taken part in the sleepout and appreciated the efforts of all involved to help raise funds and awareness for this important issue.
“The event is an opportunity to shine a light on the homelessness issue and the great work organisations like Vinnies are doing to tackle the problem,” he said.
The Minister will join more than 200 fellow leaders in government, business and communities to sleep outdoors at Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal to raise vital funds for counselling, healthcare, accommodation and food services for those experiencing homelessness.
