Unlike most of their peers, a group of local high school and university students spent their Friday night ‘sleeping rough’ to raise awareness and funds to battle homelessness.
The Big Box Sleepout event, hosted by Junior Quota (JQ) and now in its 11th year, has grown steadily over the years.
For Year 11 students and JQ leaders, President Emily Gaskain and Vice President Alex Petterwood, this was their second time.
The $25 entry fee to participate in the Big Box Sleepout will be donated directly to charities tackling homelessness.
“It’s such a big part of what we do and it’s important to keep the students and the children in our area aware of what it’s like to experience homelessness,” Ms Gaskain said.
On the night, there were crafts, games, and guest speakers for attendees to engage with.
“We played a lot of volleyball last year.”
In previous years, guest speakers have included representatives from Night Light, Logan’s mayor Jon Raven and local councilor Karen Murphy.
“Our guest speakers have real experiences with people experiencing homelessness,” Ms Gaskain said.
“We experience what it’s like, and we learn who in our community is around and who can help us if situations arise where we may need that help.”
Mr Petterwood added: “It’s also a good opportunity for like-minded high school students and university students like us to come together and bond over our shared recognition of the disadvantages of homelessness.”
Ms Gaskain and Mr Petterwood both volunteer at Beenleigh train station to feed the homeless.
“We are there just to be a kind face for people to talk to, for them to get a good meal,” Ms Gaskain said.
Funds raised by events like the Big Box Sleepout are used directly to pay for these meals.
“All of the money that we raise will go to giving them groceries, feeding them, and providing them with the necessities that they miss out on when they are living on the street.
“This year, we want to raise an additional $5,000. Last year, Beenleigh JQ raised around $4,500, we were so close!
“But this year, we’re achieving brighter and better things,” Ms Gaskain said.
“Our role is simply to sort of generate funds which we can then donate to those charities, which have that first-hand experience to really help,” Mr Petterwood said.
Ms Gaskain and Mr Petterwood want the community to know that they’re here to help, as are many organisations.
“There are safe spaces throughout our community that people can come to if they are struggling, and there are organisations that will help.”
JQ is a mentorship program run by Quota Beenleigh for high school students to develop leadership skills in running community outreach events.
Students meet fortnightly to discuss event plans and fundraising efforts for marginalised or disadvantaged groups, like those experiencing homelessness, said Ms Gaskain.
Forging community connections and understanding community issues are at the core of the program’s purpose.
“We set aside funds and organize events, such as running canteens, picnics, and the big box sleepout,” said Mr Petterwood.
At the end of the year, the funds raised are donated to charities like Twin Rivers, Night Light, Youth Off The Streets, and more.
