How does a country of Australia’s wealth and aptitude allow over 100,000 people to go homeless every night?
How is it that more than 12,000 children are without a roof over their head, no mattress under their body and no doona to tuck them in?
On June 17, 2010 – 116 fellow CEO’s spent the evening discussing ways to tackle this issue, and then spent the night sleeping out on the steps of Etihad Stadium here in Melbourne – with over 650 CEO’s doing the same elsewhere around Australia. With ideas & initiatives put to bed around midnight, it was time to bunker down, with nothing but some cardboard and a sleeping bag between us and the concrete concourse.
The most unanticipated part of this project, for me was the insight into the fear that must grip every homeless person as they struggle to mix sleep with a conscious awareness of being so exposed to your surroundings, the elements, and the dangers of being attacked or worse.
No one should ever have to face that fear. That is why at Villa & Hut we have committed to working with St. Vinnie’s this year to help support, volunteer and raise funds and awareness for all those who need shelter.
What I took away from this experience is that it can happen to anyone of us - it could be your sister, a coworker or a neighbour – so take the time and donate or volunteer.
Regards, Warmth & Shelter
Franz
