Coast Shelter is appealing to residents to sleep rough on August 6 to help provide safe accommodation for someone experiencing domestic or family violence.
To be held at Central Coast Stadium, Coast Shelter’s 10th Annual Sleepout, will see Coasties breaking out the sleeping bags and braving the elements overnight as they raise funds.
“We are asking business people, community groups and individuals to be involved and register online,” Event Co-ordinator, Vicki de Carle, said.
“Everyone over 18 is encouraged to register and ask friends, colleagues and family to sponsor them.
“To be eligible to join us at Central Coast Stadium for our Sleepout you will need to raise at least $1000.
“Even if you can’t raise quite this amount, every dollar raised will help someone in need.
“For our sleepers who have raised the $1000, it will be cold and uncomfortable but it does help us to get a little understanding of what it is like when you are suddenly faced with being homeless.
“Homelessness comes in many forms such as people experiencing domestic and family violence and having to leave their home, young people couch surfing because the family home isn’t a safe place, or people experiencing mental health problems.”
Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer, said Council was delighted to contribute the facility for the event.
Two Coasties who will be breaking out a sleeping bag on the night are Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch.
“Let’s be really clear, everyone could be only one pay cheque away from finding themselves in that situation (of homelessness),” Crouch said.
“So I encourage all of our businesses in our fantastic community to give generously to this amazing event.”
Tesch encouraged as many people as possible to help raise money for those who are homeless or those who are escaping family or domestic violence.
“Join in,” she said.
“We love Coast Shelter; let’s do the fund raising to support the people on the Coast because they are part of our community.”
Register online at www.coastsheltersleepout.com.au.
Source:
Media release, Jun 25
Coast Shelter