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.

100 years of Lions.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Lions Australia is celebrating 100 years of work and the Lions Club of Newcastle - itself just 63 years young, will be joining in the celebrations.

The Newcastle branch is celebrating their achievements including buying white goods for women's refuge Jenny's Place, raising nearly $9,000 dollars for family refuge Respuctus and their legacy project is underway establishing changing room facilities for people with a disability throughout Newcastle.

"Getting people on the ground and helping in a real tangible way - we contribute around $50,000 a year to HMRI for diabetes research, we've just been involved with a partnership with Respectus to help refurbish and build a pretty large refuge in Newcastle," said Lions Club of Newcastle president Peter Graham.

Lions are a worldwide organisation who have been on the frontline for disaster and emergency relief since June 7th 1917. The organisation was started in Chicago by Melvin Jones and now boasts 1.6 million members worldwide, with Newcastle the 54th club to be chartered in Australia.

Peter Graham is proud to be a part of the largest service club organisation in the world.

"What it means to me is that I'm actually contributing to society in a real tangible way really helping people that don't live quite as well as you or I do. I've just been gobsmacked by the whole thing about domestic violence. At first I didn't think much of it at all but just talking with the people and working with the people doing the work we are only just scratching the surface," said Peter Graham.