Faith in Action Through Young Vinnies
Mazenod College
Young Vinnies Sleepout
Last week on Thursday night and Friday morning, the Young Vinnies Society Mazenod students travelled to St Brigid’s for our annual sleepout, this year held at St Brigid’s College school grounds.
Students from both Mazenod and St Brigid’s participated in activities such as locating housing while on the street, with budgets, limitations and rules on homeless shelters, to really feel the insecurity and uncertainty of locating housing on the streets, with minimum incomes, and familial circumstances impacting their stay.
Our own Mr James Wani once again delivered his well-known presentation (back by popular demand) sharing his own personal story on what life was like in South Sudan, and highlighting how donations supported students there through improved access to education opportunities, and new sporting facilities such as netball, basketball and soccer.
The night was cold, a brisk 4°C where we were outside in the junior school, resting peacefully in sleeping bags and cardboard sheets; our mattresses, a cruel fate that destitute face each night, and we had for only one night.
Morning saw a cooked breakfast from the leaders of Mazenod and our sister school, featuring hashbrowns, eggs, bacon and toast.
After breakfast, we gathered our belongings and made the trek from St Brigid’s back to Mazenod, the first time we have walked from there to our school after the sleepout. Next year will be at on our grounds, which may see St. Brigid’s doing the same.
“It was an amazing experience that highlighted the importance of charity and highlighted the reality of the streets, and I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t previously done it.”
Matthew G
Vinnies President
The event was met with a fantastic reception from the students, filled with smiles and opportunities to connect. Highlights included a lively Just Dance party that delivered plenty of cardio and strengthened friendships. The Mazenod students raised approximately $4,000, an amount that will make a meaningful difference for those who need and deserve it most.
Thank you to all who participated this year!
Dr Nathan Leber
Director of Catholic Faith and Oblate Mission