More than $180,000 was raised for Coast Shelter’s front line services at the organisation’s annual Sleepout on August 5.
More than 140 business leaders and community members took part by sleeping under the stars at Central Coast Stadium, with the event’s aim to increase awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness, poverty, and domestic and family violence.
The event raised $182, 172, far exceeding expectations and doubling the amount of funds raised last year.
Coast Shelter CEO, Michael Starr, said funds will be put towards specialist in-house clinical services and counselling for Coasties experiencing homelessness and domestic and family violence.
Justin Coombes Pearce from Triple M was the MC on the night, with Asha from The Voice and The Mixed Tape Duo providing live music.
Mitre 10 donated gas heaters and camping chairs and Central Coast Leagues Club cooked up a barbecue for breakfast.
Coast Shelter clients shared their stories and Governor General, Margaret Beazley, sent through a personal message to participants and even wished Coast Shelter a happy 30th birthday.
“I am absolutely blown away by the support we have received from the Central Coast community,” Starr said.
“Every day of the week we have people doing it tough calling us, messaging us, and dropping in to our Community Centre at Gosford looking for help and guidance with a variety of personal issues including homelessness, health concerns and support to leave a violent relationship.
“Without the generosity of our community in times like these, we would not be able to provide the diverse range of practical and personal support services to so many people in need across the Coast.”
Andrew Borg, Supply Chain Director at Mars Food Australia said the company had been involved with Coast Shelter for quite some time.
“We regularly donate food to the Coast Community Centre and Kitchen to help feed those in need in our community,” he said.
“We like to be closely involved with our partners and support their core purpose and taking part in this year’s Sleepout has been a fantastic experience.
“We got to hear first-hand from community members who have been through Coast Shelter’s services, and gained a better understanding of homelessness, and domestic and family violence.
“We look forward to continuing this important work with Coast Shelter.”
Coat Shelter expressed its gratitude to major sponsor Central Coast Leagues Club as well as Mars Food Australia, Mitre 10, Erina Fair, Central Coast Stadium, Sticky Green Frog, Kwik Kopy Gosford, Wolfewise Creative, Triple M and SCA radio network.
Source:
Media release, Aug 11
Coast Shelter
