The Vinnies Community Sleepout gave Wagga a chance to come together in solidarity with those doing it tough.

Simone Hodge is grateful for the support given to her by Vinnies in the past and decided to do her bit for the community. 

“I really want to give back now and I think it’s a great cause,” she said.

“I really want to feel what they feel and hopefully show my kids too, that they have to be grateful because they have food, a roof over their head and a heater.” 

Ms Hodge said she wanted to thank all the people involved in Vinnies and she wasn’t concerned by the cold.

“It’s me, only doing it one night and they have to do it every night, so it’s not much,” she said. 

Peter Ingram, a Wiradjuri man, performed the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at the event. 

“I was asked to do the cleansing ceremony to give everyone a safe passage, because of where we are tonight,” he said. 

“These areas where old travels paths are, there could be certain things haunting around. Also to give anyone, really, a safe passage.

“Tonight is about empathy and education.” 

Commandant Colonel Mick Garraway and four other officers from Wagga's army base also joined the Sleepout. 

Knowing many Riverina residents live without a roof over their heads, Colonel Garraway said the Sleepout was a cause worth shivering for. 

"We are aware homelessness is a big issue in Wagga and region," Col Garraway said. 

"We're happy to play our part in what is an important initiative

"We are accustomed to being out in the field, so one might say it’s no big deal for us, but it’s a way for us to be part of a bigger community effort.” 

Money raised via the Community Sleepout will go towards local services such as the Edel Quinn Support Sevices which assists those experiencing homelessness or on the cusp of homelessness through their Crisis Accommodation Program and Outreach Service Program.

The fundraising page is open for another two weeks. For more information, click here. 

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