From 23-24 August 2024, we hosted our second on-site Santa Sleepout. This is an experiential event where students are given nothing more than a piece of cardboard and their sleeping bag and brave the cold for one night whilst learning about some of the harsh realities faced by those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.
The evening was enriched with meaningful discussions on the importance of programs like Night Patrol and the critical role of snack packs in supporting those who rely on its services. Thanks to the generous donations from our school community, we successfully assembled over 600 snack packs! We also introduced engaging activities, including a trivia session on homelessness and general knowledge, and a cost-of-living exercise that encouraged students to budget around the monthly JobSeeker payment of $816.90. To conclude our evening, we gathered for a beautiful candlelit reflection in the liturgy. Afterwards, students warmed up with hot chocolate and sandwiches before settling into their sleeping bags in St. Elizabeth’s courtyard, ready to brave the cold.
Around midnight, however, the weather took a turn, and it started to rain. Despite the discomfort and the challenge of staying dry, students showed resilience, embodying the spirit of the event. We hope this meaningful night inspires students to approach future volunteer and outreach efforts with even greater empathy and understanding.
Aditi and Rochelle
