A NIGHT under the stars is not so awe inspiring when you’re on the pavement, wrapped in all the clothes you have, with none of the facilities of a bathroom, bedroom or kitchen.

It’s hard to replicate that feeling but C.Ex’s annual Sleep Out takes a step in that direction in order to raise awareness of a homeless person’s plight and to raise funds.

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The local community will once again band together with a focus on those doing it tough across the Coffs Coast by experiencing what many homeless Australians endure on any given night.

Coffs local Simon Doughney from the C.ex Crew, who took part in last year’s Sleep Out, told News Of The Area, “Wow what an experience, it was cold, wet and I only used a cardboard box for shelter.

“I found the Sleep Out a very humbling experience and has opened my eyes to the day-to-day struggles of being homeless.

“I’ve signed up again this year, every little bit helps.”

Homelessness is often the result of multiple complex issues causing families and individuals to face crisis situations that leave them physically, psychologically, and financially at risk.

Without support, these circumstances can quickly spiral out of control forcing Australians to sleep out in the cold.

The C.ex Community Crew Sleep Out is an annual community event raising awareness and much needed funds to support those in our community who are at risk of or are currently experiencing homelessness.

The C.ex Community Crew Sleep Out will take place on Wednesday, 22 June at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

To date, the C.ex Community Crew Sleep Out initiative has raised $386,820.88 for local charities providing services to those experiencing homelessness in our community.

C.ex Group CEO Mr John Rafferty has confirmed that this year’s funds will be evenly distributed by the C.ex Community Crew to local welfare charity partners – Bridging the Gap Community Services and Warrina Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services.

Mr Rafferty said, “Supporting the community is an integral part of the C.ex Group’s mission and values and we see the Sleep Out as an opportunity to create awareness about homelessness on the Coffs Coast, whilst sleeping out with other businesses in our community to raise funds to assist others.”

Mr Rafferty will be sleeping out again in 2022, his eighth year of participating in the event.

Everyone is invited to get involved in the event, either through registering to Sleep Out or donating to the cause.
Those that choose to participate will experience what it’s like to sleep rough for the night.

Participants will need to bring a blanket and a pillow to the stadium and the C.ex Community Crew will provide an evening meal consisting of soup, a bread roll and a light breakfast.

For more information, to register to Sleep Out or donate to the cause, visit www.cex.com.au.

By Andrea FERRARI