ARARAT - Students at Marian College braved near freezing conditions last Thursday night for the annual St Vinnies Sleep-Out.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The group comprised students from years seven to 10, along with some of Marian College's year 12 leaders, who spent the night around the school grounds to raise awareness for people in Australia who are homeless.
Marian College teachers Christine Bulger and Teresa Tonks joined the students over night, with Ms Bulger impressed at the mature attitude shown by the participants.
"It was really cold, absolutely, but the students were extremely positive about the situation," she said.
"I think what they took away was not only the experience of what many have to deal with each night, but also how fortunate they are to have what they have."
Statistics show that up to 100,000 Australians, made up of mostly young people, are sleeping out every night.
Ms Bulger said some of the students were ingenious with the cardboard boxes they were given.
"Some used them as a wind breaker or a mini house and others used them as mattresses to give bit of separation from the cold ground," she said.
"We made sure everyone was rugged up and some of the students moved around the school yard to find sheltered spots."
The St Vinnies Sleep-Out coincides with Marian College's end of semester mass and annual winter appeal, which calls for food and toiletry donations which are distributed to local families in need.
"We got heaps of stuff donated. We are always amazed at how good we are as a school community at donating to those in need," Ms Bulger said.
"We had the local St Vincent volunteers serve us dinner and breakfast during the sleep-out, which was really good. Overall I think everyone felt it was a worthwhile experience."
