Bangholme students raised $23,000 to provide more than 240 homeless people with shelter.
More than 60 students, alumni and staff braved cold temperatures during Cornish College’s annual winter sleep-out event on Friday 15 June.
The record fund-raising total will go to charity Backpack Bed for Homeless, which produces an award-winning backpack/swag.
Cornish College chaplain Jarrod Davies said the funds raised would help 240-plus people “sleep less rough, safer and with more dignity”.
“Our students had fun on the night, yet this is combined with a deep inquiry into the issue of homelessness and how we can help going forward,” he said.
“Our staff and students get a tiny taste of what it is like to be cold, hungry and without a home – and it’s our hope they will go on to keep making a difference in this, and other areas in our community.” On the night, 51 students from Years 6 to 12, two former students and 10 staff slept outside in cardboard boxes and participated in a program designed to encourage conversation and action.
There was a campfire, night-golf and structured discussions about homelessness.
The team also prepared 850 sandwiches from food donations for Eat Up Australia to distribute to children who attend school without lunch and others in need.
Year 7 student Patrick said it was “really important to appreciate what we have in our life and to help other people that aren’t as lucky as myself”.
“To spend a night sleeping out in the cold for one night, really makes me understand what it would be like to be homeless and cold,” he said.
“It makes me want to raise as much money as I can.”
Past student Mitchell remains involved.
“Whilst it can be cold and uncomfortable, the winter sleep-out is an enjoyable event where students and staff come together to support a great cause,” he said.
“For us, it is just one night but for homeless people this is everyday life.”
