PROJECT Sleepbus* for Coffs is a goal International Woman of the Year Coffs Harbour, Doris Cowan is currently working on.

With a long-term project to find an overnight shelter for the homeless continuing in the background, Doris heard about Sleepbus, a charity founded and operated by Simon Lowe, who essentially pimps buses to provide ensuite sleep pods for a safe night’s rest.

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Sleepbus provides a safe, temporary overnight accommodation service, getting people off the street by offering an immediate, first stop, cost-effective solution for our society’s most vulnerable; catching them early until they can get back on their feet.

It’s a slick operation that includes an overnight caretaker, volunteers to onboard the guests and cleaners to reset the bedding and get everything ship shape for the next visitor.

Having a Sleepbus in Coffs Harbour would go some way to helping those who find themselves without a roof over their head for whatever reason.

No questions asked, except a name, and pets can hop in the pod, too.

Teamed up with Matt Harris from Lifehouse, Doris and Matt headed north in early March for the launch of Byron Sleepbus and came back confident that this would be a great fit for Coffs, and at $100,000, an achievable goal.

Fundraising begins on Friday 14 April with a silent auction.

Doris is urgently asking for donations for the silent auction.

“Companies big or small, business and individuals can all donate, from gift vouchers to experiences and any kind of goods, we’d love to hear from you,” Doris told News Of The Area.

For the night of the fundraiser event at Coffs Harbour Golf Club, Doris is lining up a range of inspirational speakers sharing stories on overcoming adversities in their lives with mental health being the forefront topic.

“I am passionate about helping ease the mental health issues associated with homelessness in order to allow the sufferer to move forward with their struggles by bringing Sleepbus to Coffs Harbour which will provide a safe night’s sleep to those in need.

“Good sleep has proven positive effects on overall mental health,” she said.

Come along and support the Sleepbus fundraiser at a cocktail style/silent auction night at Coffs Harbour Golf Club, 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.

Register at Eventbrite, under 3R’s Fundraiser.

To donate goods for the silent auction, email Doris at dmcowan01@gmail.com or call her on 0411 428761.

By Andrea FERRARI