Mass Sleepout to raise funds for Sydney’s youth homeless

Media Release, 14 October 2011

HRX Sleepout in Centennial Park, Saturday 15 October 2011

The HRX sleepout will be taking place in Centennial Park this Saturday to raise funds for Mission Australia’s youth homelessness services.

Last year, the event raised $70,000 when around 300 participants slept under the stars. This year, the aim is to host a crowd of more than 1000 in order to raise $150,000.

Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib will be among those sleeping out on Saturday.

“Mission Australia and HRX are to be congratulated for raising funds to help provide housing and support to young Australians who are homeless, to help turn their lives around,” Minister Arbib said.

“It is deeply disturbing how many young Australians end up homeless and often through no fault of their own.

“Australians and Australian companies are strongly encouraged to help raise funding to end homelessness for young people.”

Daniel Strickland, service manager of Mission Australia’s iconic homeless outreach service, Missionbeat said:

“On any given night in Australia, 105,000 men, women and children are homeless – and of this figure a worrying 44,000 are under the age of 25.”

“Youth homelessness is becoming increasingly evident in Sydney, with many young people finding themselves in vulnerable situations because of changes in their personal circumstances – most commonly due to family breakdown.

“Last year, Mission Australia worked with 18,736 young people in need, helping them to transform their lives.”

HRX Chairman Katrina Leslie said the support for last year’s inaugural HRX Sleepout last year was astounding, saying:

“We think this demonstrates that Sydneysiders are in touch with, and care about, what’s happening in the community. They want to help combat the problem of youth homelessness.

“We are really looking forward to this year’s event – knowing that aside from the enjoyable night promised – the funds raised will have a direct impact on reducing youth homelessness.”

The secure HRX Sleepout venue is a great way for individuals and families to experience a unique night sleeping under the stars. And to help enjoy the night, there is a vast array of entertainment arranged including:
•    Outdoor cinema – screening movies: Invictus, Grown Ups;
•    Live music – performances from Sydney band, Swayze, The Hips, CYI band;
•    Giant screen showing Rugby World Cup semi-final;
•    Children’s activities – jumping castle, face painting, balloon sculpture;
•    Workshops – Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) – music and art; Drumbeat – African drum circle;
•    Guest appearances – Australian Idol runner up 2009 Hayley Warner, Home & Away stars Rebecca Breeds and Luke Mitchell; and
•    Food stands – BBQ, seafood, cheese, bakery, coffee, dessert & confectionery.

Registered sleepout participants raise funds by organising sponsorship from family and friends. Participants are allowed to bring a tent or sleep under the stars – whichever they prefer.

To find out more about the HRX Sleepout or to register, please visit: www.hrxsleepout.com.au

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Media contact: Sally Popplestone Mob: 0415 547 626.

Background information:

•    All money raised will go to Mission Australia’s youth services – Creative Youth Initiatives, Lemongrove Lodge, and Macarthur Youth Connections. Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) provides creative programs for young people aged 16-25 who are facing challenges including homelessness. Lemongrove Lodge provides secure accommodation and outreach programs for at-risk young people aged 16-21, providing assistance in areas including housing, living skills, family reconciliation, health, mental health, drug and alcohol issues. Macarthur Youth Connections provides medium to long-term accommodation to at-risk young women who require help with a range of complex issues relating to health and social development.

•    The HRX Sleepout is part of Mission Australia’s Winter Sleepout – a campaign which has been raising awareness about homelessness for over 20 years. The first sleepout was held in 1988 in Sydney’s Martin Place.