Year 10 St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School at a sleep out to raise money for Street Connect.
Camera IconYear 10 St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School at a sleep out to raise money for Street Connect. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School Year 10s raise thousands for homeless youth by sleeping rough

Laura PondStirling Times

STUDENTS from St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School raised more than $13,500 to help Perth’s homeless youth by sleeping rough.

About 160 Year 10 students from the Karrinyup school spent the night of March 16 sleeping on the school’s outdoor tennis courts with only a sleeping bag and cardboard box.

The experience raised money for Anglicare WA’s Street Connect program that helps homeless people aged from 15 to 25 in Perth.

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Program co-ordinator Esben Kaas-Sorenesen visited the students on the night and shared real-life stories of young people they assisted.

Student Aimee Ryan said the sleep out made her appreciate her situation.

“Sleeping out in the cold on a cardboard box has had an enormous impact on me, it has made me realise just how lucky I am,” she said.

“Although some of the statistics and stories we heard were shocking, they made me even more proud to be able to contribute such a significant amount to this worthwhile charity.”

Year 10 head Ian Thompson said the annual event continued to grow.

“I am continually amazed by the level of support, and the culture of giving, we have in our school community,” he said.

“This group can be very proud of what they have achieved. I certainly am.”

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