JULY tends to be the coldest month, so all the more reason to sleep outdoors to share the experiences of the young homeless.
Kogarah Community Services is planning its second charity sleep out on Saturday, July 11, at WIN Jubilee Oval to raise funds and awareness for youth homelessness.
Rugged-up locals will sleep on the field with only a swag and a cardboard box to keep warm.
They will be sharing the turf with community groups, business people and politicians including Barton, Oatley and Kogarah MPs Nickolas Varvaris, Mark Coure and Chris Minns.
Community development worker Cathy Nisbet said youth homelessness was a major hidden problem.
"For one night we are facing the cold reality of sleeping out in the elements to help make a difference to those who live that reality every night," she said.
Participants will be eligible for various prizes such as best outfit, best use of glow-sticks, best decorated football and biggest fundraiser.
Prizes have been donated by Kogarah RSL, Grill'd Miranda, Anaconda Rockdale, The Laughing Goat, and Sai Thong Thai.
Award-winning local band VASBAN leads the entertainment and there will be a sausage sizzle.
Floodlights will be switched off at 11pm. The sleep-out is supporting Project Youth, a local charity.
Food and toiletries donations at 27 Joffre Street, South Hurstville, and Kogarah Neighbourhood Centre, 90 Railway Parade, Kogarah.
Registration costs $10 adults, $5 for 12-18 years; http://www.kogarahcommunity.org.au or 95464811. Gates will open at 6pm on the day.
