This year the winter solstice, on June 21, will coincide with the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. For the longest night of the year a group of people will sleep out in the elements in a bid to raise awareness and funds to support St Vincent de Paul’s services that help those experiencing homelessness in our community.
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Unfortunately, this fundraiser is at times met with criticism. Cue the cries of “that’s not real homelessness” and “the event is patronising”. But they’re missing the true value of this event.
Those involved in the CEO Sleepout participate under no pretenses. They will leave work to attend the evening. They know there is a meal of soup and bread waiting for them at UTAS Stadium.
That morning they would have packed a sleeping bag, pillow, layers of clothing, a book and a fully charged mobile phone. When they wake they will have breakfast. Perhaps even duck home for a quick hot shower and return to work. During the evening they will also hear from Vinnies and those who have been directly impacted by homelessness and the support the organisation offers.
Those people participating in the CEO Sleepout, as well as those who have generously supported them in their fundraising efforts, are trying their best to improve the community they live in.
Homelessness can happen out of the blue. A marriage breakdown, domestic violence, grief, addiction, mental health, a job loss and family problems can all be the catalyst to homelessness.
It’s also difficult to accurately measure. Someone sleeping on a mate’s coach trying to find their feet is homeless. They could have a job, but not a home to call their own.
Then you have those who look for a park bench or a shelter for a night’s sleep. They don’t know where their next meal could come from.
This is why The Examiner is a supporter of the CEO Sleepout. We are privy to seeing firsthand, through our stories and messages from our readers, that the services provided are vital to helping people through what is a traumatic and vulnerable period in their lives.
And that’s the key point. It will always be a significant moment in their life, but because we fundraise to ensure the services and help is delivered efficiently and effectively, hopefully this gets people back on their feet sooner rather than later.