Leaders of Queensland’s property industry will be stepping out of their comfort zone and sleeping rough at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth.
This evening (Thursday 19 November), the Property Industry Foundation (PIF) will be hosting its second annual Charity fundraiser StreetSLEEP event organised through its volunteer group PropertyBlitz.
With 80 attendees sleeping out overnight at the RNA Showgrounds, the night will raise funds and awareness for youth homelessness and provides a unique opportunity to understand the reality of the 44,000 young homeless people roaming our streets in search of food, clothing and safety.
Proudly sponsored by SHAPE Australia, last year’s event raised $40,000 for Queensland local charities helping homeless youth and will directly benefit Youth Emergency Services and the construction of Brisbane’s first PIF House.
Property Industry Foundation Chief Executive Officer Rosemary Smithson said it was vial that homeless young people receive rehabilitation, an education and the opportunity to participate in a positive and healthy life.
“Every night over 8,090 children are homeless across Queensland, and young people under the age of 25 make up 40% of the total 19,831 homeless Queenslanders. Research also shows the number of children aged under 12 are the highest age group who are homeless,” she said.
“This year Heidi Monsour from Anglican Church will provide this year’s inspirational address. Additional young people from Brisbane Youth Services will also attend, to share their experiences with our sleep-out guests.
“The Foundation nationally raises approximately $1.5 million net each year in donations and provides in-kind building services to approximately 20 different programs and charities. Having Queensland’s property industry lend its support will help us to reach even more at risk young Australians.”
PropertyBlitz is the core volunteer group of the Foundation comprising of young community-minded business professionals. Members volunteer their time and expertise to help deliver events and special projects for the benefit of young people at risk.
To register for the PropertyBlitz Charity StreetSLEEP, visit
http://streetsleep.gofundraise.com.au/.
WHAT: PropertyBlitz Queensland Charity StreetSLEEP
WHO: Leaders of Queensland’s property industry
WHEN: 6:00 pm, Thursday 19 November – 7:00am, Friday 20 November
WHERE: RNA Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
