While most of us were snuggled up in our warm homes on Friday night, June 21, a group of hardy souls were sleeping out on the bowling greens at Norah Head Sporties to raise awareness, essential supplies and funds for the homeless.
Sporties CEO Krystle Hatcher teamed-up with Micah Weekes from Coast Hands to organise the sleepout, with participating groups including Bikers Hand, Orange Sky, the Iris Foundation and Woman Hood Central Coast.
Member for Wyong David Harris, who opened the event, said participants had only donated clothes, food rations and cardboard boxes to get them through the coldest night of the year to give them insight of what the homeless face.
“Despite the night being filled with laughter and a great atmosphere where not-for-profit organisations leant on each other to get through the evening, it was also deeply confronting,” Hatcher said.
“It underscored the seriousness of homelessness and the cost-of-living crisis right here in our community.
“The damp conditions and bone-chilling cold made the reality all too clear as (participants) empathised deeply with those affected in their community.
“We are immensely thankful that David Harris accepted our invitation to support our cause and open the evening.
“David’s dedication went beyond our expectations; he braved the cold for longer than requested and took the time to speak with every person present.”
Hatcher said the event raised around $5,000, along with much needed supplies such as clothes and perishables.
She said Sporties and Coast Hands would host the Coasties Sleep Out event annually on the winter solstice.
“We firmly believe it will gain recognition and serve as a prominent platform to continuously emphasise the purpose behind our cause,” Hatcher said.
I think it’s fantastic for any help and we’ll appreciate any help for home less and much appreciated the sporting club for doing so nobody can appreciate as me me as being in that position.