Senior Sergeant Gary Hunter is going to rough it for a night to help raise awareness for homelessness
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sleep rough on the streets of Cairns?
Have you ever taken the time to find out someone’s story as to how they came to be sleeping on the streets of Cairns?
Officer in Charge of the Cairns City Beat, Senior Sergeant Gary Hunter explains that there are more than 105,000 Australians who find themselves homeless each night of the year with some 20,000 in Queensland alone.
“St Vincent de Paul are a fantastic organisation that assist the homeless and have supported the Cairns City Police Beat in providing food and clothing to those that are in need,” Senior Sergeant Gary Hunter said.
“The Corporate and Community sleepout is expected to raise awareness throughout the local community and I can advise with confidence that any sponsorship and donations will directly assist those who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness in the FNQ region.
“Whilst I’m not looking forward to roughing it with a sleeping bag and cardboard, I’m hoping we can raise more awareness for homelessness in Cairns.
“If we can raise some money for St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, then I’m more than happy to rough it for a night, so please support my efforts by making a secure online donation and posting a message of support.”
To donate to Senior Sergeant Hunter’s Fundometer click here. Donations made through this platform are secure and will be remitted directly through to St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland.
This is an experience-based event that is co-ordinated by the Vinnie’s Community Sleepout Program. Participants will be sleeping rough just as the homeless do and will be provided with a piece of cardboard, some dinner and a drink.
There is plenty of entertainment on the night as well as an auction and presentations on the night.
Where: Barlow Park, Cairns
When: 12-13 August
- Registration will open at 5.30pm.
- Official program will commence at 7pm.
- Event will conclude early the following morning.
For more information on how you can help click here.