On any given night in Australia 1 in 200 people are experiencing homelessness. This figure includes a staggering number of children and young people:

• More than 17,000 Australian children under the age of 12 have no permanent home
• 60% of the homeless population is under the age of 35 and in the prime of their life
• Children face an 18% higher risk of poverty compared to other age groups

So how can we support these people and put our faith in action?

We need to experience and feel what these people do, therefore we will be hosting a Mini Sleepout. 

What is A Vinnies School Sleepout? 

The Vinnies School Sleepout allows students and school communities to get a glimpse of the realities of homelessness on a personal level by ‘sleeping rough’ for one afternoon. The Sleepout encourages students and teachers to gain a deeper understanding of homelessness, raise awareness of the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness and raise funds to support Vinnies homeless services in the local community.

Mary Immaculate will host a Mini Vinnies Mini Sleepout on 12 August (Term 3 Week 4) 3pm - 6pm for interested Year 5 and Year 6 students. 

Interested students will be asked to sign up via compass in the coming weeks and then organise sponsorship for themselves prior to the afternoon. 

What can your donations do?

• $15 pays for a day’s meals for a family struggling to put food on the table.
• $30 provides someone a bed for the night.
• $50 provides school supplies and excursion fees for a child experiencing disadvantage. 
• $80 pays for a course in life skills such as cooking, preparing for job interviews or basic computer skills at TAFE.

Further information and details to be provided at a later date.