Hills Winter Sleepout 2021

By BEV JORDAN

It was a very warm thank you moment by organisers of the Hills Winter Sleepout, Hills Mayor Michelle Byrne and Mici Beer, Executive Officer of Hills Community Aid when they awarded certificates to their highest fundraisers during the week.

This year’s online event raised a record-breaking figure of over $50,000 to help people at risk of homelessness and those needing help. The event was established eight years ago.

The highest Individual Fundraiser was Catherine Montgomery who raised $4,538 and the Highest Team fundraiser was Pratibha Bhanushali’s team, Powerful Empowered Women Community who raised $5,554.

COVID restrictions pushed both the 2020 Hills Winter Sleepout and this year’s event in August online with participants invited to sleep on their couch, their car or outside.

Money raised by The Hills Winter Sleepout has gone to the Hills Homeless Prevention Initiative run by Hills Community Aid and $5000 to StreetMed, the street-level group which gives first aid and provides meals to the homeless and those at risk. Between mid-2018 and mid-2021 The Hills Homeless Prevention Initiative has helped 92 adults and 98 children _ providing $59,375 in total grants – ($1000 per grant)

Catherine Montgomery, Residential Manager – Cranbrook Residences thanked the residents at the Bella Vista village for sponsoring her saying they were incredibly supportive.

Pratibha Bhanushali said she was overwhelmed by the support she had received from local businesses to reach her Team total.

The past two online events have been broadcast by Hills-based community radio station Alive 90.5 FM.

Northholm Grammar held a recent mufti day last Friday which raised $2000.