Laverton’s Stephanie Hartnup will spend a night sleeping rough at the MCG to raise money for Melbourne City Mission’s support services for homeless youth.
The teacher will be among more than 1000 people sleeping in cardboard boxes as part of the Sleep at the ’G fundraising event on May 26.
It will be the fourth time that Ms Hartnup, 24, has taken part in the event.
“I just feel the need to be able to help those who might not necessarily be able to help themselves,” she said.
“There may be people that are less fortunate and I’m in a position where I am able to help.Definitely, at my age, youth homeless is a real issue, so I can definitely connect with people in my environment who are affected by youth homelessness.”
Every night in Victoria, more than 6000 young people couch surf or sleep rough.
Melbourne City Mission says homelessness is one of the most severe forms of disadvantage and social exclusion for a person, and it’s frightening and traumatic for young people.
Ms Hartnup has raised almost $600 so far, mainly by running a pop-up car wash with her partner.
To donate, visit sleepattheg.com.au
