28 May, 2015

Council Staff Out In The Cold… To Support Vinnies

A group of 30 staff from City of Adelaide will be sleeping under the stars tonight, with little more than a cardboard box for comfort, in an effort to raise money for South Australia’s homeless.

Council General Manager - City Planning & Design, David Chick – who will also represent Adelaide City in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout – looked forward to being involved in what has become an annual event for Council staff to raise awareness of the issues of homelessness.

“Many of the city’s homeless services rely on the support of the community to transition people from living on the street to more appropriate housing arrangements,” David said.

“So I am hugely supportive of staff backing organisations like Vinnies through this great event.”

Communications & Engagement Advisor, Debra Melville, said the Sleepout, now in its fourth year, has maintained a strong level of interest amongst staff.

“Many see the effects of homelessness through their work and appreciate the opportunity to experience first-hand what many South Australians are forced to endure daily through no fault of their own,” Debra said.

Staff will once again be given a flattened cardboard box to sleep on and are encouraged to do without the comforts of bedding to make the experience as authentic as possible.

St Vincent de Paul Society CEO, David Wark, will address Council staff about some of the ways the Society tackles homelessness.

“To see City Council staff organising their own community event to raise funds is a true example of people working together to make a positive change for those doing it tough,” David said.

David Chick will serve staff the evening meal of soup and bread rolls, generously donated each year by local catering company Grass Roots.

General Manager – City Infrastructure and Public works, Neil Brown, will rise early on Saturday morning and show his support by cooking a hot breakfast for everyone.

Staff not attending have supported their colleagues by donating to the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Matt Halliwell