eKourier Jan 2019

CHARITY

Sleep Under The Stars And Help Homeless Youth

they are today. Their stories are inspira- tional and their spirit and zest for life is contagious. This year’s Sleep Under the Stars event saw over 650 people register with 448 attending. The goal to reach $400,000 was surpassed with a massive total of $455,000 raised. With the ongoing support from individuals and companies over the last four years, the fundraiser has come a long way since the first event back in 2015 which raised $75,000. Next year Stepping Stone House would like to see their Sleep Under the Stars event raise $800,000. Kennards Self Storage have been proud Gold Sponsors of this event since its inception, donating funds and supplying Kennards Boxes for everyone to build their shelters, while also joining in with their own sleep out team named the FREEDOM Fighters. Consisting of Sam and Claire Kennard, along with their three daughters, Lara, Lexie and Olivia and their friends; HK Tung, Fiona Harding, Jelena Stricevic, Anthony Heng and Sharon and Nigel Munro. Together raising over $17,400. To learn more about Stepping Stone House and how you can help go here http://steppingstonehouse.com.au/ Sharon Munro Executive Assistant to the MD

Over the years Stepping Stone House has created a practical and proven set of

developmental stepping stones to independence: Residential Care aged between 12 – 18, Semi-independent aged between 16-20, Independent aged between 18-24, Foyer Studio aged between 18-24, After Care aged up to 30 years and Alumni 30+ years. Sleep Under the Stars a Stepping Stone initiative, raising funds for homeless youth, which is now in its fourth year, took place this year beneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Bringing together people of all ages to share a basic meal, build cardboard shelters from Kennards Self Storage Boxes, and experience the challenge of sleeping out for the night, under the stars! During the event Teams can dream up any type of shelter they like, with each Team Member or individual given six Kennards Self Storage Boxes and tape. Some go for the simple one-man tent like structure while others build icons similar to the Opera House! Later in the evening everyone comes together to find out who has built the best shelter and hear from some of the great young people that are being, or have been, helped by Stepping Stone House and just how instrumental it has been in making them the person that

D id you know that 38% of all Australians experiencing homelessness are under the age of 25? The leading cause of youth homelessness is family separa- tion and breakdown. Sadly, young people often end up on the streets to escape situations of domestic and family violence, abuse and neglect. Many are suffering from emotional trauma and mental illness, making it difficult for them to succeed in life without adequate support. Founded in 1989, Stepping Stone House provides a safe and secure home, education and care for vulnerable young people aged 12 – 24. Unlike short-term shelters, they are a dedicated family, supporting young people from adoles- cence through to adulthood and beyond. Since its inception, Stepping Stone House has helped more than 400 young people become self-sufficient and educated young adults. Through educational development, adventure programs, community volunteering, mentoring, and counselling, they have gained the self-care and life skills needed to become independent and succeed in life.

17 Kennards Kourier Jan 2019