This Friday night, the staff of Gymea Allied Health Centre will be swapping their comfortable beds for the pavement next to Gymea Bay Road. They are sleeping rough to raise funds and awareness for victims of domestic violence and the homeless.
Whilst some people will be getting ready to party on Friday night the Gymea staff will be making their beds on the footpath with one eye on the weather and plenty of blankets to stop the bitter southerly that is predicted.
At any given time about 250 people (woman, men and children) are homeless each night in the Sutherland Shire. This is primarily due to family and domestic violence as well as financial hardships.
The funds raised by the ten Gymea Allied Health Centre staff will go to local charities, Platform 9 and the Dandelion Support Network.
Platform Nine provide crisis accommodation for individuals or families who simply have no place to go. Since relocating to Miranda in May they have supported over 120 guests.
Dandelion Support Network aims to provide material goods to vulnerable families and make sure that all babies and children have access to nursery items essential for their safety, well-being and development. Since December 2011, they have helped more than 4500 families in need.
Staff member Leanne Reed said she feels lucky that most people are privileged enough to have a loving home and a warm bed to sleep in.
“We are doing it to raise awareness for the local people of the area who are not so privileged” Leanne said
“At least I will be close to work for my morning shift”
As well as encouraging donations, the practitioners at Gymea Allied Health will be giving $2 for every patient treated at the clinic from the 8th to the 13th of October.
Th communities support is needed and appreciated, especially leading up to Christmas.
To donate please go to:
www.gofundme.com/gymea-allied-health-spring-sleepout
