Sleep at the ‘G: Thousands to camp at MCG to combat youth homelessness

THOUSANDS of Victorians will roll out their sleeping bags for a night at the G’ to raise money to fight against youth homelessness.

Left to right: Mark Anderson, Natasha Crooks, Morgan Slocombe, Astrid Blackburn, Stuart Fox, and Jo Fisher rug up ahead of Thursday night’s Sleep at the ‘G annual fundraiser. Picture: Nicole Garmston

WITH Melbourne in the midst of a cold snap, spare a thought for our city’s most vulnerable that are sleeping rough.

In an effort to raise funds for Melbourne City Mission, Melbourne Cricket Club CEO Stuart Fox, along with thousands of Victorians, will be rolling out his sleeping bag for the annual Sleep at the ‘G this Thursday.

Victorians will spend the night alongside young people from across the state without a safe place to sleep, with two of every five people experiencing homelessness in Victoria under the age of 25, an 11% increase according to recent ABS figures.

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“From my perspective, Sleep at the ‘G is a great opportunity to connect and get to know people throughout the business, and really bond and build our relationships as a team — it’s definitely a case of all being in it together,” said Mr Fox.

Now in its sixth year, the event is expected to have a record turn out with more than 70% of registered participants involved in corporate teams.

Funds raised will go towards building a world-first fully integrated response to youth homelessness, including a 24/7 emergency accommodation centre, health, education and employment support.

As co-hosts of the event, the MCC team are passionate supporters of the cause, with 56 colleagues braving the cold alongside Mr Fox. “I’m expecting a pretty sleepless night, but that will just give our team more time to try drive donations from everyone we know,” he said.

To register and donate, visit sleepattheg.com.au.