AS a leading local property agent Jamie Douglas knows just how hard it has been for renters to find a property and also how desperate some families are to put a roof over their head.
As a keen walker he has also noted over the past few years how many are now sleeping on the streets, parks and in alleyways because they don’t have enough money to even rent a room.
His experiences led him recently to join hundreds of other leading businessmen and women to take part in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
The event has been held in June since 2006 in the dead of winter on the shortest day of the year.
“This year the local night was held at Riverstage in the city and I must admit I didn’t realise the impact of experiencing just a glimpse of what it would be like to be homeless would have on me,” he said.
“It was a remarkable experience and not just because I only got three hours sleep.
“The problem is bigger than we think and a lot more complex.
“I will continue to do it as long as I can and I hope to raise more money for the wonderful work St Vinnies do for those living rough.
“It gave me an insight into other’s stories and just how slippery a slope life can be, you can fall so easily and so quickly,” he said.
Jamie’s fundraising added almost $4000 to this year’s national total of more than $8m for St Vinnies.
Those who participated were not allowed any luxury bedding to combat the hard grass mattress they were forced to lay on.
“They just gave us some cardboard, but we did have our own sleeping bag and pillow,” he said.
“When I left and went home to my warm home to have a shower I reflected on just how privileged I was in life.
“There are too many who are homeless and just this small taste of what it would be like to live on the street made me even more aware of their plight.”
The money raised in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout helps provide emergency food and accomodation as well as counselling, employment and health services.
