Media Opportunity: Kyle Sandilands announced as 2019 Ambassador for Stepping Stone House’s annual ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ fundraising event
Announcement posted by Manning and Co 16 Apr 2019
MEDIA RELEASE
Kyle Sandilands announced as 2019 Ambassador for Stepping Stone House’s annual
‘Sleep Under the Stars’ fundraising event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday 17th April, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. Sydney-based charity for youth-at-risk, Stepping Stone House (SSH), is excited to confirm Australian radio host Kyle Sandilands as this year’s Ambassador for its fifth ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ (SUTS) event. This is the second time Mr. Sandilands joins the charity at their annual fundraiser to support vulnerable youth and raise awareness for youth homelessness in New South Wales.
The issue of homelessness is close to Mr Sandilands’ heart. The successful radio personality, who co-hosts KIISFM's Kyle and Jackie O show, spoke about his own battle with homelessness at the 2018 Sleep Under the Stars event.
“I remember the first night I slept on the street…in Brisbane, in the 80s, there was not a lot of help. That is where the SSH mission resonates with me. Their targets, their goals and their dreams. This is the charity for me.”
As the Ambassador for the SUTS event, which will be held on 1st November 2019 at the Hickson Reserve, underneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Mr Sandilands hopes to help shine a light on the current state of youth homelessness while creating positive change.
“The dangers kids face out there and the lack of opportunities to make them feel as young adolescents - they feel lost, that there is no hope. They get led into a life of crime, of drugs, or prostitution. All terrible lives” he said.
In doing so, he aims to support SSH raise much needed funds and instigate real change for the countless young people experiencing homelessness in Sydney and more broadly across Australia.
Stepping Stone House CEO, Jason Juretic, welcomed Mr Sandilands as the event’s Ambassador again this year.
“This announcement comes at a time when we look to Youth Homelessness Matters Day as a time to reflect on what more we can do to secure the future of our youth.
Mr Sandilands connects with these kids as a prominent figure in Australia and as a survivor. He was a huge part of our success in 2018, raising nearly $500,000, and we welcome his passion and authenticity behind us again this year,” he said.
The latest census shows that 38% of Australia’s homeless population is made up of youths. That is why this year, SSH is aiming even higher, with a fundraising goal of $800,000. They aim to use the funds raised to provide a home to 21 young people for a year.
The event will bring together people of all ages and backgrounds in a community effort to support young people who are unable to live at home. Mr Juretic hopes this will be a record-breaking year for the charity and boost their efforts to educate and care for young people across New South Wales.
To date, more than 450 youths have been successfully helped by Stepping Stone House and have received mentorship, education, learning and development programs and invaluable emotional support as they find their feet. Fundraising events like this go a long way in ensuring the youth of our country have the opportunity to build a solid foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future. ~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:
Manning & Co. 02 9555 5233
About Stepping Stone House (http://steppingstonehouse.com.au/): For 30 years, Stepping Stone House has paved the way for vulnerable youth aged 12 - 24 to develop and grow into self-sufficient and independent adults, starting with a safe and secure home environment. Through their unique ‘Stepping Stones to Success’ model, the non-profit aims to transform the lives of vulnerable youth; many of whom have been homeless and are unable to live with their families. Stepping Stone House is a nurturing ‘home away from home’, where young people stay for years as part of a dedicated family.