Hunter CEO Sleepout raises big bucks for homeless service

BY JARROD MELMETH

Over 40 Hunter leaders braved the elements on Thursday night taking part in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout at Hunter Stadium.

Nationally $8 million was raised, with $160,000 coming from the Hunter.

The money raised by Hunter CEO's will be given to Matthew Talbot Homeless Service in Newcastle who offer support to homeless men and children across the region. Its outreach workers visit parks, streets, services and homes.

The St Vincent De Paul Society says on average around 500 people are experiencing homelessness, either sleeping unsafely outdoors or in cars, couch surfing in overcrowding households, or in budget accommodation such as caravan parks.

Around 3,852 applicants are waiting for social housing throughout the region.

Vinnies North East Regional Director Clare Van Doorn says it was a great learning experience for the CEO's.

"We had some people who we have helped through our work speak to the CEO's and they had a really good chat about what it is like to be homeless and they types of things that they go through.

"It was really good for the CEO's who may not come in contact with these people to really step into their shoes," Ms Van Doorn said.

Help out your fellow man in the Vinnies Winter Appeal

BY LAUREN KEMP and JESSICA ROUSE

The St Vincent De Paul Society urging the Hunter community to help out their fellow man with donations for their Winter Appeal to help residents struggling with the cost of living in the coming colder months.

The average electricity debt has risen by more than  $100 between 2014 and 2015, and the wholesale price is expected to increase by as much as 20 per cent from  July.

Last year, Vinnies Winter Appeal distributed more than $4 million worth of assistance to disadvantaged families.

St Vincent De Paul Executive Officer for Maitland and Newcastle Denise Lucas says the community relies on donations especially when disadvantaged families have to make the difficult choice to stay warm.

"Unfortunately most families on a fixed income struggle with electricity bills when they come on a quarterly basis," and particularly when they use more electricity in winter.

"If we receive donations of clothes or furniture obviously they go into our Vinnies shop and the funds which are generated there go directly towards supporting people in our local community. People in the community can support our Winter Appeal with a donation which certainly goes towards helping people in our community with those extra costs during the winter months," said Denise Lucas.

For more information visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12