2023 Vinnies’ Winter Sleepout
After enduring lockdowns several years ago, the 2023 SJPC Vinnies Winter Sleepout returned on Thursday 17 August. It was decided to move the sleepout to the night before St John Paul Day in the hope that this will become a College tradition while highlighting social justice initiatives at the College. 47 students and 6 staff signed on to spend the night at the College, to give them a sample of what a sadly increasing number of people endure on a daily basis. Even the food that was so generously supplied by the Hospitality Faculty is something many are forced to do without. This year, we were joined by Rosie Leo, the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Community Engagement Coordinator for the Lismore Diocese, who kindly stayed overnight with us. The new Vinnies van for the Coffs Harbour Chapter of St Vincent de Paul came to the school, having been personally delivered by the manager of Vinnies Vans NSW, Josie Charbel in time for our sleepout. SJPC was the first stop for this new resource, which the local conference plans to send around town to meet the needs of those in our community experiencing homelessness and financial disadvantage. This visit was a great privilege for the College; Josie is a state manager but also someone who works on the front line. Her presentation on the night challenged the stereotypes that society holds and showcased real stories of those she has worked with that endure homelessness.
Josie Charbel - Vinnies State Manager
Prime News were set to do a live broadcast from the school, and some local conference members were in attendance for this. However, technology being what it is, Prime were not able to complete the broadcast, and screened pre-recorded clips.
Whilst the night was mild for this time of year, strong gusts of wind early on Friday morning saw many cardboard shelters blow away; one hopes that the uncomfortable experience for one night will inspire the students to participate more closely with Vinnies in the future. With the arrival of the new Vinnies van, it is intended that students can move to the front line of the homelessness issue and address this societal scourge.
I would like to thank all involved with the sleepout, whether it was for supervision after school, doing the overnight sleep, or preparing meals. My enormous gratitude to Mrs Leanne Gennat for all the administrative and logistical support she provided; the night would not have been a success without your hard work.
Brett Bujeya
Teacher - St Vincent de Paul