VIC: Thousands around Australia to sleep out for charity

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-1999
VIC: Thousands around Australia to sleep out for charity

MELBOURNE, Aug 7 AAP - One thousand girl guides were setting up makeshift beds in the
Melbourne Zoo tonight as part of the CityMission's winter sleep-out.

The sleep-out is a national event involving 7000 people across Victoria and up to 25,000
around Australia.

The fund-raising idea is designed to draw attention of the plight of Australia's homeless.

Melbourne CityMission chief executive Rev Ray Cleary said the beds for some of the girls
sleeping out in sight of the lion and tiger cages were no more than sleeping bags and sheets
of plastic or cardboard.

Temperatures were expected to drop to seven degrees, but the wind chill, already being felt
by the guides, would add to the discomfort.

"The girls have been sponsored and we hope each will raise up to $20," Mr Cleary said.

"We are hoping to raise a total of about $150,000 throughout the state."

People are sleeping in football ovals, community centres, backyards and parks across
Victoria.

"The best you can have is a tent, but some are choosing to replicate the conditions faced
by homeless people," Rev Cleary said.

He said a large number of volunteers had to be refused the chance to participate in the zoo
sleep-out because facilities such as toilets permitted a 1000 maximum.

The sleep-out site, from which ABC Radio will broadcast live from 10.30pm is subject to
tight security to allay parents' concerns.

Donations to the sleep-out can be made by phoning 1800 107 479.

AAP sjg/was

KEYWORD: SLEEPOUT VIC

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