One Launceston businessman will brave the cold streets of Hobart in the depths of winter to raise greater awareness for homelessness in Northern Tasmania.
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Anthony Kwong, owner of Tsing Wah Asian Grocers and Nitro Ella, has signed up to participate in the Salvos Sleep Out during August.
Despite the event being in Hobart, the proceeds raised by Mr Kwong will remain in Launceston to help provide better services in Northern Tasmania.
"We see many different people come in and out of the shop, some people have money some people don't and you can tell which people are struggling," he said.
"Their budget can't afford them to eat better, all the other factors, and if anything goes wrong, like coronavirus last year that's the end of it."
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The money raised will go towards a Street 2 Home workers for the Salvation Army, which will help transition people from homelessness to independent living.
Recent data suggests that homelessness is growing across the country.
Mr Kwong said he was inspired to partake in the event after becoming aware of more homeless people around the CBD.
"What we can see and what the reality is, is two different things ... we're lucky enough to eat in some of the nicer places on Charles Street but people don't realise the park across the road houses many homeless," he said.
"People need to know that it could be anyone who could be homeless, if anyone loses their job.
"Things that we don't even realise could affect us."
Shelter Tasmania reported in March that 338 people were living in Tasmania without any housing at all. However, this data does not include people in crisis accommodation, temporarily staying in other people's homes or living out of vans and cars.
According to the 2016 census, the total number of people experiencing homelessness in Tasmania was 1,622.
Mr Kwong is hopeful that in the intervening weeks before the August 12 event, more people will join his team to raise awareness about homelessness.
"I would love for more people to join in, we'll have a fun night out that would just be talking and hopefully trying to keep warm," he said.
"It's going to be cold but it's the truth of homelessness it will be cold no doubt about it."
If people are unable to provide a monetary donation, old sleeping bags and beanies would also be accepted.
To donate, visit Anthony Kwong's page.
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