Issue 15 SJC News 2021

The 2021 Winter Sleep out exceeded all expectations with 400+ participants registering to sleep rough at home to raise awareness and funds for Geelong families facing homelessness due to family violence. An amazing $8,700 was raised by our generous college community. Please see below the message of gratitude from Helen Bolton, CEO, Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre.

“We greatly appreciate the generous amount raised by St Joseph’s College Winter Sleepout and the awareness of this important issue. Family violence is the number one cause of homelessness in Australia, where almost 50 percent of those experiencing homelessness are women, often accompanied by children. We know that women, by a lack of choice, often remain in an unsafe relationship due to lack of long term, secure and affordable housing for them and their children. These funds will enable our organisation to further support women and their children who are experiencing family violence during their journey toward recovery.

Helen Bolton CEO, The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre. (SAFVC)

It was my great pleasure to call Year 10 Butler student, Jack, to congratulate him on being this year’s highest fundraiser and a wonderful advocate for the cause. Jack and mum Lee raised an impressive $875. Well done Jack for being such a wonderful example of our Justice & Solidarity Touchstone.

“My name is Jack and I was new to Joey’s in 2021, when I first heard about the Winter Sleepout I wanted to do it straight away. It sounded great to raise some money for those in need while having fun sleeping under the stars. I was able to raise a lot by speaking out about the Winter Sleep Out, my mum told her co-workers and I told my friends and family. I slept out in my backyard with my mum and we played some board games before drifting off to sleep. If you are reading this I would 100% recommend doing the Winter Sleep Out, it’s a great cause and great fun.”

We are reminded that we can access support if we are experiencing family violence or sexual assault.

The ways that people can access support in lockdown

Our doors now remain open with specialist intake practitioners available at our Spring Street office for women and children who need support with family violence or anyone who needs support for sexual assault. Our practitioners are available in-person, over the phone or video conferencing, and via webchat. Please contact our organisation [email protected] or (03) 5222 4318 or in person at 59-63 Spring Street, Geelong West.

SJC and SAFVC formed a partnership several years ago and we look forward to continuing to support this local organisation in the future. Thank you to all the students, staff and families who took part in this year’s record breaking event.