Salvos help launch a new sleepout in Shepparton
BY ANTHONY CASTLE
You may have heard of the ‘Sleep at the G’ or the ‘CEO Sleepout’ as events in metropolitan areas, but now Greater Shepparton in northern Victoria is set to host its own VIP sleepout – ‘Under the Same Stars’.
The event will take place on 16 April, starting at 6pm at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton, and will continue through the night until 6am the next morning. Tickets are available online for CEOs/VIPs and the general public and entry will only be permitted with prepaid tickets.
“This is a first for us, but we know the appetite is there,” said Jim Gow, Youth Participation Worker at Salvation Army North East Youth Services.
“We are aware that people want to help but aren’t always sure how. This is a great opportunity to not only help but to network with others and experience what many experience each and every single day. Think of it as a networking event with a purpose.”
The Salvation Army Northeast Youth Services offers accommodation and outreach services for young people aged 16 to 25. Located in Shepparton, the Youth Accommodation Program enables young people to stabilise their situations and receive support to set immediate future goals.
“It’s important that the funds stay locally for us,” Jim says. “Many fundraisers send money to different areas; however, this money is raised by locals to stay local. I’ve been involved in more than 70 events previously but never a serious fundraiser.”
Apart from the Under the Same Stars event, another initiative is also helping to raise funds for the same cause. ‘100 Miles From Home’ is a fundraiser organised by a group of local runners who will run 100 miles (161km) back to Shepparton, concluding at the sleepout event. Running participants will feature local men Peter Ralph and Vic Bovalino.
“We have run 100km events before, and we wanted to take the next step when it came to distance running,” said Mr Ralph. “This has been in our minds for a while, and why not raise funds for a worthy cause by doing it, everybody wins. My business – Ray Dobson Real Estate – is proud to be partnering for this event and assisting in the preparation for a really great cause.”
The sleepout night aims to raise awareness about local youth homelessness. Guest speakers will share their experiences with homelessness and explain how the funding will be used. The event is fully supervised and is a drug, alcohol, smoke, and vape-free event.
