Lawyers Sleeping Out for Homelessness

Winter is fast approaching and so too is the annual Gold Coast Vinnies CEO Sleepout!

Each year, hundreds of CEOs, industry leaders and supporters from the Gold Coast community brave the chilly weather and sleep out at CBUS stadium to raise funds for the homeless. This year the Sleepout will be held on Thursday, 21 June 2018.

Last year the McLaughlins CEO Sleepout team raised $3,081 and this year our team of Ian Kennedy, Teresa Kearney, Shona Sahay and Alex Hamlyn as well as Geoff Smith of McLaughlins (as chairperson of Sports Gold Coast) is aiming to raise $8,000.

Sadly, there are thousands of homeless people on the Gold Coast, 60% of which are victims of domestic violence, suffering from mental health issues or children under the age of 18.

At the Sleepout last year our team was touched by heartbreaking first hand stories of people who have spent a significant portion of their lives being homeless. Although the Sleepout is only for one night it provides a glimpse into the daily struggles that homeless people face in trying to find a safe and comfortable place to sleep each night.  It made us truly appreciate how lucky we are to go home to a warm bed every night.

In previous years, Vinnies have used part of the funds raised to purchase, renovate and expand the Cornerstone premises in Southport. The Cornerstone program supports homeless people by transitioning them from homelessness into safe and stable short/long term housing and further, provides ongoing education and support to those who are in need.

McLaughlins Lawyers are proud to support the CEO Sleepout again this year and we are working hard to meet our fundraising goal.

If you would like to donate please go to: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/mclaughlinslawyers   

Author: Alex Hamlyn

Director: Ian Kennedy

Date: 16 April 2018