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Kyle Sandilands announced as Ambassador for Stepping Stone House’s annual ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ fundraising event

Announcement posted by Stepping Stone House 09 Aug 2018

Sydney-based charity for youth at risk, Stepping Stone House, is excited to confirm Australian radio host Kyle Sandilands as this year’s Ambassador for its fourth ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ event – an annual fundraiser to support vulnerable youth and raise a
Sydney, 9th August 2018. Sydney-based charity for youth at risk, Stepping Stone House, is excited to confirm Australian radio host Kyle Sandilands as this year’s Ambassador for its fourth ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ event – an annual fundraiser to support vulnerable youth and raise awareness for youth homelessness in New South Wales.

The issue of homelessness remains close to Mr Sandilands’ heart. The now successful radio personality, who co-hosts KIISFM's Kyle and Jackie O show, briefly fell on tough times at one stage during his teenage years.

"When I was 16 years old and got my first job in radio I promised myself I would never have to sleep in a cardboard box again. However, this is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and show support for those struggling like I was so long ago" Mr Sandilands said.

As the Ambassador for the Sleep Under the Stars event, which will be held on 26 October at the Hickson Reserve, underneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Mr Sandilands involvement will shine a light on the current state of youth homelessness, and in doing so help SSH raise both vital funds and instigate real change for the countless young people experiencing homelessness in Sydney.

Stepping Stone House CEO, Jason Juretic, welcomed the involvement of Mr Sandilands as Ambassador.

“Mr Sandilands is a prominent figure in Australia who can directly connect with young people who are doing it tough as he himself was once homeless. His authenticity and passion to help those in need will be a great boost for Sleep Under the Stars, and the wider cause,” he said.

“The overall homeless population in Australia is estimated at 116,000. On the 2016 Census night, 38% of Australia’s homeless population was under the age of 25. This is unacceptable.”

“Our Sleep Under the Stars event is a fantastic way for people to experience what it’s like to have no adequate shelter and nowhere to go which is an all too common situation for many young people.”
The event brings people of all ages and backgrounds together, from young people to families to community groups. Last year’s event raised $275,000, up from $75,000 in 2015. This year could be a record-breaking one for Sleep Under the Stars, with a goal to raise $400,000 to provide essential care and education for more than a dozen young people.

“If we hit our target of $400,000 we will be able to keep 13 children and young people off the street for a year. During this time, they will get education and employment support so they can look forward to a bright future where they lead successful independent lives,” Mr Juretic said.

To date, more than 450 people have successfully achieved responsible independence through Stepping Stone House’s unique provision of mentorship, outdoor education, learning and development programs, and community volunteering.

“Stepping Stone House continues to deliver sustained positive outcomes to the lives of young people, with 89% of our youth completing higher education qualifications and 78 percent are currently employed. Fundraising events such as this one go a long way in ensuring our youth have the opportunity to set real foundations for a sustainable and prosperous future,”
Mr Juretic added. ~ENDS

To get involved in ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ or donate to the cause, visit: www.sleepunderthestars.com.au

For volunteering opportunities or further information, go to the website or email info@steppingstonehouse.com.au.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Bianca Benjamin (Sydney) at Manning & Co. +61 490 492 982 or bianca@manningandco.com.au