The annual Coast Shelter Sleepout, a transformative event aimed at raising awareness and funds to support people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence on the Central Coast, reached unprecedented heights on the night of Friday, August 25th.  

This year’s event marked a monumental success, breaking all previous fundraising records by collecting an astonishing $235,148.
 

The event, hosted by Coast Shelter, brought together community leaders, compassionate individuals, and local businesses for a night of solidarity. Participants spent the night hearing stories from previous Coast Shelter clients before sleeping under the stars, gaining a small insight into the challenges faced by homeless individuals every day. 

One of the standout moments of the evening involved an appearance by Central Coast Mariners’ esteemed goalkeeper, Danny Vukovic.  

Vukovic, well-known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills on the field, lent his support to the Coast Shelter Sleepout by engaging in a penalty shootout challenge with event attendees, raising an additional $1,000 on the spot.  
 

The $235,148 raised during the Coast Shelter Sleepout 2023 will have a profound impact on the organisation’s ability to provide critical services to people who are, or at risk of, experiencing homelessness in the region. The money raised will continue to fund the position of Coast Shelter’s Women’s Alcohol and Other Drug Counsellor, Julie Hastie, along with early intervention programs and the new Coast Shelter Community Centre in Wyong. 

Coast Shelter expressed its profound gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and donors who contributed to the success of the event.  

“The Coast Shelter Sleepout 2023 exceeded all expectations, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community,” said Michael Starr, CEO of Coast Shelter.  

“These funds will enable us to continue our mission of empowering Coasties to break the cycle of homelessness and rebuild their lives.”

The event’s success would not have been possible without the collaboration of various local partners, including businesses, volunteers, and community organisations, who came together to create a meaningful and impactful experience. 

“A special thanks goes to all of our event sponsors, without whom we could not continue to grow this event and create lasting change for the most vulnerable members of the community,” said Starr.