Registrations are now open for Melbourne City Mission’s annual Sleep at the ’G, an event to raise vital funds in support of young people who are experiencing, or are at risk of homelessness, in Victoria.
Last year more than a thousand people slept on cardboard overnight at the MCG, raising awareness and almost half a million dollars for the organisation’s homelessness programs.
This year Melbourne City Mission—the city’s oldest charity, established in 1854, and the same age as the MCG —aims to attract even more participants and supporters for its signature event on Thursday 21 May 2015.
‘Melbourne is frequently voted the world’s most liveable city. However, it’s not so liveable for young people who are sleeping rough and couch-surfing every night,’ said Melbourne City Mission CEO, Rev Ric Holland.
‘By sleeping out at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, participants will experience what thousands of young people face every night in Victoria. This helps to raise the profile of this incredibly important social justice issue, as well as much-needed funds to support our programs and services.
‘Help Melbourne City Mission bring an end to youth homelessness in Victoria and help give a voice to those doing it tough.’
Through its various programs, Melbourne City Mission works in partnership with young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to overcome obstacles and challenges in their lives, guiding them towards a positive future.
The organisation is the largest provider of youth homelessness services in Victoria, and is considered the lead agency specialising in youth-specific family violence issues, which are a major cause of homelessness.
Participants pay $60 for the opportunity to sleep for one night on the MCG members’ concourse, with only cardboard to sleep on and a basic dinner and breakfast to eat. Sleepers are encouraged to fundraise via their online page and invite friends and family to join them. Prizes and awards are offered for the top fundraising individuals and teams.
Entertainment is provided during the evening across two stages. Emcee is broadcaster and musician Jon Von Goes, and acts include British India, L-Fresh The Lion with Mirrah, Heloise and NY.
WHAT: Sleep at the ’G fundraising event to help end youth homelessness
WHEN: Thursday 21 May 2015, overnight from 5pm to 8am on Friday 22 May
WHO: Melbourne City Mission with major partners the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Cricket Club, Melbourne Football Club, and Bank of Melbourne
ENTRY: $60 per person. Participants must be aged 18 and over.
REGISTER: SleepAtTheG.com.au or call 1800 626 572