May 31, 2016
South Burnett Peace of Mind founder Rhonda Trivett is offering South Burnett residents the opportunity to “Live The Life” of a homeless person … in winter.
The not-for-profit group is organising a sleepover in Kingaroy’s Memorial Park on Saturday night (June 4) in conjunction with some local churches as a fundraiser to help the group provide more meals at its drop-in centre.
The “Live The Life” event will kick off about 3:00pm on Saturday with people gathering at Memorial Park.
They will then make their way to the local Uniting Church where they will be handed forms to fill in – to give the participants a Centrelink-type experience.
Rhonda said they would then take the forms to the Anglican Church where they will exchange the form for a can or two of food.
They will then head back to Memorial Park for the night.
About 10:00pm, participants will be offered a hot cup of coffee or soup by South Burnett Peace of Mind, something the group tries to do regularly at the park.
Rhonda said if the participants “survive the night” they will be given a hot breakfast in the morning.
She said a number of people have already volunteered to take part, but she was looking for more – and for sponsors for the participants.
Rhonda said South Burnett Peace of Mind would use any funds raised to expand its services.
Currently, the drop-in centre at the Lutheran Church Hall is open from 9:00am to 9:30pm on Mondays and lunch and dinner is provided.
However, on Wednesdays it is only open from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Lunch is provided but not dinner.
“I want to raise enough so we can offer meals on Wednesdays, too,” Rhonda said.
