Geelong CEOs swap beds for cells

MORE than 60 local business leaders and representatives spent the night inside the Geelong Gaol last week, raising awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness.

Held on Friday, the CEO Sleepout saw participants swap their home comforts for confinement in the museum’s prison cells, with all funds raised supporting the work of Lazarus Community Centre.

Lazarus Community Centre manager Michael Kenneady said the event went flawlessly when it came to supporting the cause.

“I felt like it really hit home for a lot of people when they were in their cells, especially overnight, not realising the privileges that they’ve got at home.

“The streets are a lot more dangerous than the prison cells itself, so I think it was a bit more of an enlightenment for a lot of people.”

 

The event raised more than $65,000 for Lazarus, funds which will be used to support people in the region facing homelessness with meals, clothing, vital services and more.

While the prison cells were cold, bare and some people even had encounters with the spirits believed by some to occupy the space, it wasn’t lost on participants that living on the streets isn’t the same.

“The guests, they’ve had generally, fairly good lives and not a lot of trauma, where I think the surrealness of the whole experience is that not everyone gets that experience,” Mr Kenneady said.

“We’re all humans…and we need to look after each other as human beings.”

The success of the event has organisers eager to bring it back again next year, this time with even more businesses on board.

“It is a tax donation for a great cause: to keep our doors open 365 days a year,” Mr Kenneady said.

“The more help and support we get, then the more we can bring to help support people in need.”

Donations can still be made online at sleep-out-for-the-homeless.raiselysite.co