60 Merici College, Braddon, senior students and staff rose to the challenge on Thursday, 18 June, sleeping ‘rough’ in support of this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout. As evening temperatures reached a low of -1 degrees, the group prepared themselves for a cold night to raise awareness and experience a small part of the reality of homelessness.

Principal, Loretta Wholley, who was participating for her fourth consecutive year, said that the night was a bonding experience that helped promote empathy for the cause. “With over $11,200 raised this year, I am so appreciative to all the Merici families and the wider community who have supported the College. The support has been outstanding and will help to make sure other people are being looked after.”

The night began with students and staff setting up their sleeping areas in the new school quad, ensuring they would be as warm as possible. Many girls took an architectural approach, innovatively designing diverse types of shelter from cardboard. Together the group shared a meal of soup and bread, reflecting on the harsh realities of not having guaranteed food every day.

Therese Canty, a Vinnies Youth Liaison Officer in the ACT, visited the group to share with them the role that Vinnies plays in assisting the homeless in Canberra. Two volunteers from the Vinnies Night Patrol spoke to the girls about the many ways that the community can support homeless people.

Year 10 student, Amy Redmond, said that the event made her realise how grateful she is for her warm bed and the roof over her head. “It made me realise the harsh conditions people face on a daily basis and how grateful we should be.”

Year 12 student, Jacinta Wright, said that raising awareness about homelessness and the work of Vinnies was a top priority for her in her role as the College’s Social Justice Captain. “The Sleepout is a hands-on way to emphasise the issue and promote awareness in our students and the community. The Sleepout really opened our eyes to their situations and we were able to personally experience their struggles by physically putting ourselves in their shoes.”

“Thank you to all students and staff for supporting this worthwhile initiative,” said Jacinta. “We would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to the St Vincent de Paul Society for the invaluable contribution they make to our community.”