Sleepout smashes fundraising goal for WA youth services
- deansimpson7
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
National Youth Week in Australia in 2025 is being held from 9-17 April with the theme ‘We are the future, and the future is now!’
BY ANTHONY CASTLE
Western Australia Divisional Headquarters recently hosted the inaugural Oasis Ball Sleepout in its Perth carpark, raising more than $60,000 to support The Salvation Army’s Youth Services in WA.
About 50 participants from media and advertising businesses gathered for the sleepout event on Friday, March 28. The event provided an experience of homelessness and an understanding of its human impact.
“Nearly 40,000 children and young people have nowhere to live across Australia ... around 9500 are aged between 15-17,” says Guy Rees, Social Mission State Manager from The Salvation Army.
Oasis Ball Sleepout participants were tasked with raising $500 each to support The Salvation Army’s services aimed at assisting homeless youth across Australia.
The Salvation Army Oasis Project, supported by the funds raised, provides crisis support, transitional housing, and pathways into community housing and private rental for young people.
“Over 30 per cent of the children and young people (experiencing homelessness) identify as First Nations,” Guy said. “These 40,000 children and young people have presented at homelessness services across the country with over 44 per cent accessing homelessness services are still homeless after initial support.”
Participants at the sleepout heard from a person with lived experience of homelessness. They were then led on a tour of the hotspots within the CBD, concluding with a visit to The Beacon.
The Beacon is The Salvation Army’s largest residential homelessness facility in Australia, a 116-bed accommodation facility for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Participants also got to experience the services provided by the Salvos Outreach Service Team.
“WA youth service provides invaluable holistic support to children and young people experiencing these challenges,” Guy explained.
“We provide crisis support, transitional housing and pathways into community housing and private rental, education and training. Our model of care 'journey to independence' enables us to walk alongside young people, meeting them where they are and journeying together to a safe and brighter future.”
The Salvos appreciated a visit from Hon John Carey MLA and Crown Resorts Foundation, which made a further donation for each participant.
The original goal was $30,000, but nearly $61,000 has been raised. Those wanting to support the campaign can contribute online.
