4 August 2005
Celebs 'sign-on' for homeless
Tomorrow morning (Thursday 4 August, 11am-12pm), Lord Mayor John So will be the first of many to put his signature on flannel in the name of homelessness. He will be joined by an unexpected mix of Melburnians including Melbourne Citymission CEO Anne Turley, ‘foodie’ identity Hamish Neale, AFL star ‘Spider’ Everett, popular television presenter Andi Lew, and members of the AFL’s Kangaroos who will be placing their signatures on a special edition doona which will keep dozens of people warm over four days as they participate in revolving ‘sleep-ins’ in a Queen- sized bed in the open air at QV square. The signed doona will be auctioned off at a later date.
“The event is part of our broader ‘Homeless, not Helpless’ campaign which aims to raise money for our homelessness support services. Comedians, entertainers, AFL players, television personalities, chefs, police, ‘ambos’ and ‘fireys’ have all generously donated their time to be part of the event. It’s been a real community effort made possible only through people’s goodwill and generous community spirit,” said Sarah Priest, Media and Public Relations Officer for Melbourne Citymission.
Belly dancers, clowns and street theatre performers are among the entertainers for the four days. Australia’s leading indigenous jazz vocalist, Liz Cavanagh, who herself was once homeless, will also feature in a three-hour line up of unplugged performances on the Friday evening, kicking off at 5.30pm.
“In the last ten months, Melbourne Citymission has had contact with over 7,000 young people, many of whom are homeless,” says Melbourne Citymission CEO, Anne Turley. “Each month Melbourne Citymission’s services have contact with 150 adults and families who are in crisis. We very much rely on the generosity of the public to continue the support that we provide.”
Photo Opportunity
What: Melbourne Citymission ‘Homeless, Not Helpless’ Event @ QV
Where: QV Square, Cnr Lonsdale and Swanston Street (If raining the bed will be moved one level down to the ‘Urban Market’)
When: Launch: Thursday 4 July, 11am-12pm (Event: Thursday 4 August – Sunday 7 August)
All media are welcome but should contact Melbourne Citymission’s Media Officer to join the ‘shoot’.
For more information or to arrange photo/interview opportunities please contact:
Sarah Priest, Media & PR Officer (T) 03 8625 4417 (F) 03 8625 4410 (M) 0407 367 026 (E) spriest@mcm.org.au
