The chilly air of a winter night in the Southern Region of Australia carried a palpable sense of purpose. It was a purpose shared by a diverse group of people—from local business leaders to dedicated Vinnies staff, volunteers, and compassionate community members—who all came together for the first-ever community sleep-out.
The night was cold, but the collective spirit was warm, fuelled by a shared commitment to supporting their neighbours in need.
A Community United
The event marked a significant shift for St Vincent de Paul, moving away from its long-standing CEO sleepout model to a more inclusive community-focused event.
Keith Cantlie, Director of Fundraising and Marketing for St Vincent de Paul, Canberra-Goulburn, shared the vision behind this change.
“We had a transition from a CEO sleepout the year before to a community sleepout this year, and why we did that was to broaden the participation and really engage across the community,” he said.
The idea was to remove the barrier for those who weren’t CEOs but still wanted to make a tangible difference. The result was a remarkable turnout of individuals who were deeply committed to the cause.
The night was a huge success, with participants raising an impressive $27,000 on the night. The fundraising efforts continued, with the total soaring to over $28,000 just a few days later, and donations are still being accepted.
These funds will be used directly within the Western Region, serving towns like Young, Cootamundra, and Harden. The support is practical and immediate, providing essential items for those struggling with homelessness or on the brink of it.
Making a Difference, One Dollar at a Time
The money raised goes directly toward meeting urgent needs within the community, including: Food staples and toiletries for local pantry programs, ensuring families don’t go without the basics. Ready-to-heat meals for people without stable housing, offering a warm meal when one is needed most. Emergency swags and crisis accommodation support, providing immediate shelter and safety. Food pantry vouchers which offer a lifeline to ease the financial pressure of the rising cost of living.
Keith reflected on the powerful impact of the event, emphasising that the funds provide “really practical support that we are going to be providing.” This initiative not only raises critical funds but also fosters a stronger, more connected community, where people from all walks of life can come together to lift those who are doing it tough.
– Kellie Stanfield
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.