This is the intrepid GM of ANREPS reporting back to any body taking an interest in the homeless in our great State. I'm saying WA but literally there are 1000's of people that sleep rough right across Australia every night.
It was a pleasure to be amongst nearly a hundred others who donated their time and money to the Vinnies cause. Not forgetting all of the volunteers who made it possible.
We were given an insight by some articulate homeless people who were brave enough to share with us the hopelessness of being in their position. They have dreams for the future just like everybody else, so if you meet one of these unlucky people ----- GIVE THEM A HAND UP and feel good about it, you never know, you just might make their dream come true.
Donations were very close to $500,000 around about the sleep out time, which was a tremendous effort. Sadly I didn't raise anything like I was hoping too. Plenty of moral support but not much in the way of change. You can still donate and make my day!! I get told who you are.
I started off by using the word intrepid, perhaps it should have been selfish. I made my bed in the middle of the WACA, all on my Jack Malone. I couldn't imagine a better opportunity to go to sleep in the middle of the pitch and not get arrested as a ground invader. Much smarter than streaking .. Yes?
Just one thing went wrong. I bloody near froze to death and sleep wasn't on the agenda until I dropped off sometime after 4.30 am.
I had arranged with Dorothy to pick me up at the WACA gates at around 7am. Imagine her surprise when yours truly was nowhere to be found. She recruited the groundsman for a little search party and toured the WACA grounds on an electric trolley and as it slowly got lighter finally spotted a sheet of cardboard covering a sleeping body about 7.20am. Imagine being woken by someone hopelessly breaking down with the giggles and a guy staring at you stony-faced no doubt wondering what the hell is going on. Oooh was I stiff ............. in the joints
Bloody hell the ground is hard and the cold is cold when you're 75. Still, I would do it all again in a heartbeat if it helps a homeless person.
