Community Sleepout Burnie

Family Based Care Tasmania once again invited the community to take part in the annual Community Sleepout to raise funds for the St Vincent de Paul Society at Marist Regional College in Burnie during August.

Over the past eight years, the Sleepout has become a meaningful North West tradition by raising awareness of homelessness and challenging participants to spend one night sleeping rough in solidarity.

Family Based Care Public Officer, Kelly Haywood, said the event began after their CEO, Douglass Doherty, attended the Launceston CEO Sleepout and wanted to bring the experience to the North West.

“The Community Sleepout has raised more than $30,000 for the St Vincent de Paul Society in the North West since that time,” Ms Haywood said. 

“The Sleepout gives us all a glimpse into the realities of homelessness by sleeping rough for a night, while raising awareness and funds to assist people in their time of need. 

“The experience challenges our sense of home and gives us unique insight into the complex issues faced by homeless people.”

The Society’s Tasmanian President, Corey McGrath, said he welcomed Family Based Care’s ongoing support, thanking the team for its generosity in delivering the event over so many years and making such a difference in the local community. 

 "The CEO Sleepout and Community Sleepouts are a fundamental part of our annual calendar as they create empathy and awareness across our community,” Mr McGrath said. 

 “When people step outside their comfort zones, even for one night, we get a clearer picture of the hardship many Tasmanians face.

 “Together, we can make a difference and help tackle the rising levels of Tasmanians sleeping rough every night, with fundraising a valuable part of the event too.”

The evening included hot soup and sandwiches from the Vinnies Van, together with a raffle, auction and a BBQ breakfast the following morning, with all proceeds going directly to support Vinnies’ local services.

Donations can be made at any time to support the cause, helping the Society continue its work to support Tasmanians experiencing homelessness and hardship. 

Community Sleepouts are increasingly making a difference, with another held this year at the Tasman Council offices in Nubeena.  Contact our Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Karen Ahern for more details on coordinating one in your area via karen.ahern@vinniestas.org.au.