OBSERVER: Sleep At The G
On May 15, in a much-needed fundraiser for the Melbourne City Mission, sleepers will converge on the MCG to tackle youth homelessness. Each year hundreds of Victorians come together in support of thousands of young Victorians who are without a safe place to call home, for one big sleepover at Melbourne’s most celebrated sporting and entertainment venues.
“Every young person deserves a safe place to call home, yet thousands of young Victorians are facing homelessness every night,” said Vicki Sutton, CEO, MCM. “Sleep at the ’G is a powerful reminder that together, we can make a difference.”
On any given night, over 7600 young Victorians aged 12-24 are without a safe place to call home. Many young people resort to couch surfing, sleeping in cars, or staying in crowded and unsafe housing. Sleep at the G is now open for registrations from corporates, individuals, sporting and community groups who would like to fundraise to end youth homelessness. The night provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep at the iconic MCG with fun activities through the night to keep the fundraisers amused. A celebrity host will be announced in the coming months along with a fun night of entertainment, including everything from music to comedians all ready to join the cause to end youth homelessness.
Funds raised go toward MCM’s Youth Housing Initiative, supporting young people experiencing homelessness and other complex needs to transition to independence. YHI provides three interchangeable levels of housing and support for up to four years, allowing young people to more seamlessly and efficiently step up or down in support as they transition to independence.
MCM is a leading community support organisation that for over 165 years has been delivering programs and fundraising to create inclusive, fair and just communities across Victoria.
The organisation provides a broad range of support in: Homelessness, Early Years, Disability, Early Childhood Intervention Services, Education, Palliative Care and Mental Health service areas.
Sleep at the G is one of the organisation’s major fundraising initiatives and will be held on May 15 at the MCG in Melbourne.
For more information visit SleepAtTheG.com.au
Cheryl Threadgold