CEO Sleep out – Personal Reflection and Thank You

The evening in Canberra was cold (3 degrees at midnight and dropping lower in the early hours) and this combined with rain and wind did not make for a comfortable night.  Despite having a waterproof sleeping bag and managing to find a spot that whilst directly in the wind pathway, was mostly undercover, the rain saturated my three pieces of cardboard and my sleeping bag.  Whilst I remained relatively dry in my sleeping bag, the cold cut through and my thermals and ski gear were not enough to keep me warm enough to sleep.  Every time I dropped off, the rain and wind would start up again and I would once again be awake. By the time our 5am wakeup call was drawing near, all I wanted was to be able to get up and move under shelter to obtain my warm instant coffee and roll that were provided.

I felt drained and foggy,  was wondering how I would be able to dry my items if I really was homeless and needed to sleep out again, and was dreading the day of work ahead where I knew I would not be functioning at my best.  I felt so lucky that I was able to drive home after the event and have a warm shower, and have a new appreciation of just how hard it is for the homeless members of our community to break the cycle.  How are people supposed to get up and go into work/school without having their basic needs met - shelter to enable a comfortable sleep in a safe environment, showers to freshen up, food for sustenance, and clean clothes needed to participate in work/student life. There is not one simple answer, and there are so many factors to consider, however I am convinced that all of us as a community have a responsibility to talk about the issues, raise awareness, and assist where we can whether that be by donating funds, volunteering time, or volunteering services.   Also, take the time to talk to someone who is homeless and learn their story – an inspiring woman, Carol, told her story on the night and how Vinnie’s have helped to support her and her children to break the cycle.

Thanks to all who generously donated, Karen and I raised nearly $4,000 for Vinnie’s, and we understand that due to the extensive sponsorship and corporate support Vinnie’s receive for the CEO sleep out event, nearly all of the funds raised go directly into supporting their programs and services to help our homeless community.  I am proud of our involvement and thankful for the opportunity to be able to make a small difference.  I am committing now, to undertake the CEO Sleep out again in 2017 and will be on a mission to top the amount raised this year.  Our team at The Rehabilitation Specialists will also be looking at other practical ways we can support Vinnie’s ongoing and will continue to post updates on these initiatives.  Thank you again for your support.