The Winter Sleepout had raised $56,916 by last Tuesday morning, including more than $24,900 donated to hardy participants who slept in the rain and chill at Workers Sports playing grounds overnight on June 22. Corporate sponsors donated $22,000 and the Workers Lifestyle Group Board donated $10,000.
“Carevan Blacktown is run by volunteers so our overheads are minimal,” said the charity’s CEO, Andrew Scott.
“Our costs for one location come in at $25,000 per year, so the funds raised by the Winter Sleepout mean we can get a second location going.”
Carevan volunteers currently provide nutritious hot meals – and the chance to share and mingle – at Lalor Park Community Hall every Tuesday evening, with takeaway food also available.
Carevan collects fruit and vegetables from local businesses, conducts blanket and clothing appeals, and distributes hygiene and care products.
“Carevan is about the Blacktown community taking care of its own when they fall on hard times and that’s something our clubs, Workers Blacktown and Workers Sports, are proud to support,” said Workers Lifestyle Group CEO Morgan Stewart, who hosted the Winter Sleepout.
“This year, the CEO and Co Winter Sleepout raised more than our $50,000 target and for the first time also we had more than 40 participants sleeping out.”
Attendees included NSW Member for Blacktown and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces Stephen Bali MP, Chief Inspector (and Blacktown City councillor) Bob Fitzgerald AOM, Carevan volunteers, Workers Lifestyle Group president Kay Kelly, Morgan and a big contingent of colleagues from Workers Blacktown and Workers Sports.
Last year the Winter Sleep Out raised more than $47,000 for Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre and Workers Lifestyle Group will choose another charity to benefit from the 2024 CEO and Co Winter Sleepout.
Workers Lifestyle Group supports more than 100 community organisations including charities, schools and sporting clubs. See HERE
You can still donate to the 2023 Winter Sleepout HERE
