Brian Wood

One night isn't a lot, but it can make a whole lot of difference

Every night, thousands of Australians experience homelessness. But it doesn't have to be that way. This year I'm once again taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society to support Australians in need. For one night, I'll be sleeping outside as part of an eye-opening experience to raise awareness and bring home the realities of homelessness. 

The event itself is an experience, is a tiny insight into the struggles people who are homeless face. Last time I took part, we were sleeping under makeshift cardboard tents, covered by plastic bags and it was pouring with rain, and cold. In the morning, feeling cold and tired I got up, gathered my wet belongings, wet sleeping bag and set off home in my nice car to have a hot shower, breakfast and a sleep catchup, in a comfy bed. Then, it fully hit me.....an actual homeless person would have been faced with…..where do I go for the day, how can I get warm, where/how can I dry my stuff, what can I eat today?……and the thought of having to do it all again each night.

It was that thought in the morning driving home in my warm car that was my most sobering realisation of how lucky most of us are to have a home and a relatively comfortable lifestyle.

If you’re able to support my fund raising, it all helps to try and support people way less fortunate than many of us. Any donation is greatly received and every dollar goes to help others.