People pull on their PJs for Melbourne's Homeless
28 July 2008
Whack on the sunnies! There’ll be an explosion of colour in the city on Friday, 8 August, when Melbourne’s smart business set switch from bespoke black and navy suits to PJs, in aid of the city’s homeless population. Melbourne Citymission expects hundreds of city workers to pull on their jim jams at morning tea time or to buy a badge as part of ‘PJ Day’, an event that the CBD welfare agency runs every year during National Homeless Persons’ Week. More than 23,000 Victorians are homeless on any given night, according to Anne Turley, Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne Citymission. “There are a lot of myths and stereotypes about homelessness, but as anyone at Melbourne Citymission can tell you, homelessness can potentially happen to any of us at any time. It’s a complex social problem that cuts across all age groups and we see people from many different walks of life in our services. “That’s why we run events like PJ Day,” Ms Turley said. “As well as providing services that respond to people experiencing homelessness like crisis accommodation, material aid, family mediation and links to employment, education and training, other important parts of Melbourne Citymission’s work are to raise the awareness of the need for support services and an increase in safe, secure and affordable housing for people of all ages experiencing homelessness.” “Wearing your PJs to work is fun, but it’s also a reminder of the safe, cosy bed you left at home … the safe, cosy bed that thousands of Victorians go without.” Staff from more than 80 companies, including Baker’s Delight and AGL Energy, have registered their involvement so far in this year’s PJ Day. “Last year we found that not everyone was brave enough to pull on their PJs but they still wanted to help in some way,” said Ms Turley. ”So now we have included badges that say, ’I’ll wear my PJs next year!’ and they are moving like hot cakes!”. “It’s up to each company to do an activity that works for them on PJ Day,” said Ms Turley. ”When companies register to do a PJ Day we send them advertising materials, badges and weekly emails. PJ Day organisers consistently tell us their staff are keen to get on board for such a good cause.” In addition to PJ Day, Melbourne Citymission’s annual homelessness campaign includes Winter Sleepout activities and a corporate breakfast at Federation Square.
Contact Information:
Michele Rushby
Executive Assistant, CEO Office Melbourne Citymission
Tel: 03 8625 4463
mrushby@mcm.org.au
