Whyalla leads the nation in sleepout fundraising
The Whyalla community has demonstrated its generosity by raising the largest amount across Australia through this year’s Sleepout Fundraiser.
The event was held on July 31, with participants coming together to raise awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness. Altogether, Whyalla raised more than $45,000, placing the city at the top of the national fundraising tally. Importantly, all funds raised by the Whyalla community will remain local and support people in need.
The evening provided participants with an opportunity to hear from local homelessness, health and community service providers about the challenges facing Whyalla and the practical ways the community can work together to support people before they reach crisis.
Whyalla City Council's Youth Activation Officer Chloe Fisher represented council at the event, sleeping on a piece of cardboard overnight.
“The amount raised for this important cause is an incredible achievement and something our city should be proud of,” Ms Fisher said.
“Our community did much more than raise funds. We came together to listen, learn and better understand the challenges facing people in Whyalla and how we can support them before they reach crisis.
“Hearing directly from people with lived experience of homelessness was powerful and hearing how funds from the 2024 Sleepout helped a local young person attend Operation Flinders showed us the real and lasting difference this initiative can make.
“Sleeping outside on a piece of cardboard in the cold was uncomfortable, but it was only one rough night for us. For too many Australians, not having a safe and secure place to sleep is an ongoing reality.”
The fundraiser was organised by the Whyalla Homelessness Awareness Committee, of which Council is a member. Committee members include; Mission Australia, headspace Whyalla, Centacare Catholic Country SA, Centacare Catholic Community Services and HOPE Whyalla.
Mission Australia Area Manager, Rebecca Gow, said the Committee was grateful for the support received from the Whyalla community.
“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated, every dollar will make a difference. To the locals who joined us on Friday night, thank you for being willing to brave the cold and get out of your comfort zone. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community.”
“The Committee would also like to thank our gold, silver and bronze sponsors, Santos, Tilt Renewables and the Harp & Shamrock Club, who were incredibly generous, along with the many other local businesses and organisations who got behind this event.”
This year’s result builds on the success of Whyalla’s 2024 Sleepout, the funds helped provide cost-of-living packs and enabled local young people to participate in Operation Flinders, click here to find out more.
Whyalla City Council thanks everyone who slept out, donated, provided support or helped make the event possible.
You can read more about the initiative here.
Media contact:
Media and Communications Officer: Molly McGovern
Phone: 0419 655 888
Email: molly.mcgovern@whyalla.sa.gov.au