One hundred students from Emmanuel College in Altona North will soon swap their school uniforms for sleeping bags, for its annual Vinnies Winter Sleep Out.
Each year the school hosts the event to stand in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness.
College captain Ella Rule said the event to be held on on Friday, June 21, is all about students putting themselves in the shoes of those sleeping rough to raise funds for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
“It is about working with the community to experience what it is like to sleep rough at night,” she said.
“To get compassion for them and raise awareness for the struggles a lot of people face everyday.”
On the night the students will sleep outdoors on cardboard boxes while listening to sirens and loud noise to replicate the experience of sleeping rough.
They will also participate in workshops and be visited by a guest speaker.
Deputy principal Mark Sciberras said the event raises thousands of dollars.
In addition to the sleep out, the school also runs a winter appeal encouraging students and families to donate what they can.
“Every student and staff member is encouraged to bring something to donate to Vinnies,” he said.
After finding out which clothing items are really needed by Vinnies, students are asked to bring in those priority items.
“In every homeroom there is a basket where kids can donate clothing including gloves, warm socks, jackets as well as canned foods,” he said
There is also a donation page with the funds used to provide clothing, emergency accommodation, help fund job assistance and counselling.
Details: my.fundraiseforvinniesvic.org.au/school-sleepouts/emmanuel-college-school-s-sleepout
Jennifer Pittorino
