By Aaron Cordy
UNDER the Same Stars was the brainchild of Jim Gow, a Youth Participation Worker at Salvation Army North East Youth Services (SANEYS). An event to rally local support and raise money for local youth homelessness, by sharing the experience of sleeping rough for a night a Deakin Reserve.
“It’s a fantastic start. We achieved what we set out to achieve, and that is over 100 people sleeping out tonight. And with a bit of luck, with some auctions and bits and pieces together, we’ll raise over 20 grand. So that’s an amazing start. But a room full of people all here for a great cause, and to have that response has been great,” said Jim.
SANEYS members, Jim Gow, Tamara Flanagan, and Talysha Dawson spoke along with the Salvation Army Youth Services state manager James Aloni. But it was the lived experience of homelessness that Travis Wallace and local Jarvis Atkinson shared with the crowd that painted a true picture of the perils facing many young people in Australia.
“What a fantastic event to be able to host here tonight and raise awareness for Youth Homelessness Matters Day. we’d like to just acknowledge all the people who have come here in support of our program and for the community as well. it’s a terrific event that obviously helps bring the community together and raise further awareness for the sport required for young people in Victoria, and greater Shepparton,” said James Aloni.
The night didn’t go as planned with the sprinklers going off around midnight. The unexpected shower gave those sleeping out an important lesson about homelessness, even if you think you found somewhere safe for the night, there are no guarantees.
Peter Ralph and Vic Bovalino did 100 Miles From Home as part of the event. Running a 161km to Deakin Reserve, arriving before 4am. An incredible effort to raise money and awareness for the cause.
