Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne will join business leaders and community figures from across the Hills and spend a night sleeping rough at The Hills Winter Sleep Out on Saturday July 23.
In a bid to raise awareness and funds to fight homelessness, Mayor Byrne will brave the elements at the old Castle Hill Public School on Castle Hill Main Street in what has become a much-supported local event.
“We’re now in the third year of the Sleep Out and it’s one of those initiatives that brings out the best in Hills residents,” Mayor Byrne said.
“It’s one thing to ask people to donate to a cause, but to see so many people spending a night out in the cold and sleeping rough shows that they’re willing to go that step further and see what it’s like for those less fortunate than us.”
Mayor Byrne said that The Hills was not immune to homelessness despite the seemingly idyllic surrounds.
“Homelessness can affect anyone, but in The Hills it particularly affects woman and children escaping domestic violence and looking for crisis accommodation.”
“While some great steps have been taken to alleviate the shortage of crisis accommodation, we still need all the help we can get in the fight against homelessness.”
Mayor Byrne said she was pleased to see four very worthy organisations – Hills Community Aid, Community Foundation of Northwest Sydney, the Lisa Harnum Foundation and Give n Take – would be benefiting from the Sleep Out.
“These organisations have played an integral role in making the Sleep Out a success and I’m glad they will benefit from this wonderful event.”
“You can join us on the night. Visit www.hillswintersleepout.com.au to find out more.”
The Hills Winter Sleep Out
When: Saturday 23 July, 2016
Where: The Old Castle Hill Public School, Castle Hill Main Street, Old Northern Road, Castle Hill
Details: www.hillswintersleepout.com.au
