Sant Nirankari Mission, Sydney participates in Winter Sleep out raising funds for the homeless
With over 100,000 homeless in Australia in 2015, it is hard to imagine how they survive through the winter and rainy seasons. It must be really tough to live through these conditions. Their plight has been heard by organizations like Mission Australia who organize fundraisers like Winter Sleepout to help raise funds for their welfare.
SNM Australia Sydney branch organised a winter sleepout in conjunction with Mission Australia to raise much needed funds for the cause.
The “Winter Sleepout†was held at the Sant Nirankari Bhawan on the 03/07/15. Youth members of SNM Australia Sydney branch participated in large numbers in the sleepout. While sleeping outdoors they had discussions about the life of the homeless, the preciousness of life and how we can often take things like food, water and the roof on our heads for granted. Throughout the night, the temperatures dropped down to two degrees centigrade and the feeling among most was one of being uncomfortable and cold with incredible difficulties to sleep. By the end of the night, those who participated were grateful for practical experience where they understood the difficulties the homeless face daily and even more so in the winter.
Overall, it was a successful event held by SNM Australia Sydney branch in collaboration with Mission Australia. An online account was set up a few weeks prior to the event. Awareness grew on social media, and families and friends started to make donations towards the cause. The donations continued throughout the night of the winter sleepout. The donations raised by Sydney SNM rang in excess of $1200 using the help of social media. In conclusion the event was a wonderful community get- together where one felt the sense of unity, love and oneness whilst simultaneously raising awareness and much needed funds for those who are currently homeless.
