Inaugural Oasis Sleepout Raises $50,000 For The Salvation Army
WA’s media industry woke up a little worse for wear on Friday, March 28 after spending the night sleeping in a carpark for the inaugural Oasis Sleepout.
Over 45 representatives from media and creative took up the challenge to join the committee’s first Oasis Sleepout and were tasked with raising $500 each, making the target total $30,000.
Oasis Chairperson and Carat WA client partner Michelle Testa wanted to immerse the industry in an experience that is sadly all too common and allow The Salvation Army to demonstrate a taste of what it’s like for homeless in Australia.
“What started as a small idea to continue to connect our event to its core purpose, quickly became the most talked about event in the industry, and for good reason. Waking up this morning and knowing I could have a hot shower and grab a strong coffee before retiring to bed tonight is not the luxury those living rough have,” said Michelle Testa, Oasis chair.
Michelle adds, “I’m absolutely blown away with the generosity of those who did not hesitate to sleep out and for the Salvation Army in creating such an immersive experience, to have a night in their shoes”
The Salvation Army’s Guy Rees said, “Nearly 40,000 children and young people have nowhere to live across Australia, around 9,500 are aged between 15 -17.
"Over 30% of the children and young people identify as First Nations. These 40,000 children and young people have presented at homelessness services across the country with over 44% accessing homelessness services are still homeless after initial support.”
The initial $30k was reached with a week to go, and another $10k added in 24 hours before the Sleepout, with participants arriving to their ‘home’ for the night, with a total of $50k.
Pushing the donation over $60,000 was a donation from major sponsor, Crown Resorts and their Foundation, donating $100 to each of the 47 that slept out.
“The Crown Resorts Foundation takes immense pride in once again supporting the Oasis Ball, The Salvation Army, and the media, marketing, and advertising industry of Perth who slept out for Oasis. It is truly inspiring to witness the collective desire of so many individuals to give back to our community and we are delighted to be able to make a $100 donation to support each of the 47 Sleepout participants,” said Kelly Townson, group general manager, Crown Resorts Foundation.
These funds go directly to The Salvation Army for The Oasis Project.
“WA youth service provides invaluable holistic support to children and young people experiencing these challenges. 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,” says Guy Rees.
Attendees heard from a past Salvation Army client about their lived homelessness experience from the early age of 14. It was a touching tribute to the importance of connection, safety and family in creating a home. Following, TSA led a tour to key hotspots within the CBD, shifting our perspectives on city infrastructure and what we may see in our day to day walking the city streets.
The evening concluded with a session at The Beacon, a short to medium term accommodation for up to 90 displaced people where the current cost of living and housing crisis was put into a completely new perspective.
To see some behind the scenes from the night, visit the Oasis Ball Instagram. If you’d like to add your support, please give generously.
The Oasis Ball will be held on 16 May at the Crown Towers Ballroom in Perth, with the theme, 'On Broadway'. Tickets are available online here or contact Alicia Campbell at oasisballtickets@gmail.com
