Several Principals and Catholic Education leaders joined Director, Ross Fox, at the National Arboretum, to brave the freezing Canberra winter night in support of Vinnies Annual CEO Sleepout.

Collectively, the Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn team raised over $48,000, ranking second in the ACT and twelfth in the country for their fundraising efforts. This equates to 152 individual support programs, 400 beds and 1600 meals, highlighting that one night of discomfort for a few can go a long way in supporting those most in need.

David Austin, Principal of Good Shepherd Primary School, Amaroo, who participated in his fourth sleepout, described his experience as eye-opening. “Throughout the evening we were reminded through presentations of the enormous issue of homelessness in this city, region and Australia and the outstanding work that Vinnies does for those who are in desperate need,” said David.

“I bunked down with my two pieces of cardboard in the herb garden of the Arboretum and was awoken at 4am to a possum peering in making a great noise. That experience got me on my feet and up for the day pretty quickly. I’m proud of my school community and parishioners for their support and donations. I am overwhelmed with having raised over $12,500 for such a worthwhile cause,” he said.

Reflecting on her CEO Sleepout experience, Leah Taylor, Principal of St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, West Belconnen, said that she felt privileged to be part of the event. “Sleeping outside on cardboard for only one night a year, makes me appreciate how lucky I am to have the life I have,” said Leah.

“Vinnies do such amazing work in our community, from helping families to find a home, to feeding people living below the poverty line or on the street. It was wonderful to be able to do something to contribute to this work. I am grateful to the St Thomas Aquinas school community who contributed to the fundraising efforts and for their support,” she said.

Michael Green, Principal at Mt Carmel School, Yass, said that although he didn’t feel unsafe at any stage, he gained an appreciation of just how vulnerable those who have no choice but to sleep rough must feel.

“I had a good, sheltered spot out of the wind and managed to stay warm enough to get a few hours of sleep,” said Michael. “I do want to acknowledge that, even though we don’t see many rough-sleepers in regional towns like Yass, homelessness is still a significant concern. There are too many in our community who find themselves displaced from their own homes in temporary accommodation, couch-surfing or sleeping in their car.”

“Another issue in Yass at the moment is the limited availability of affordable rental properties, which is a significant factor in the financial stress and disadvantage that many families experience,” he said.

Thank you to those who have generously supported Team Catholic Education and this important cause. Your donations will go along way towards helping those most vulnerable in our society.