A Team Rainbow group will be taking part in this year's Lifewise Big Sleepout in Auckland, sleeping rough for a night to raise awareness of, and funds for, LGBTI youth homelessness in New Zealand. "At Rainbow Youth we see or hear stories of young LGBTI people who are homeless most weeks," says Rainbow Youth General Manager Duncan Matthews. "It’s hard to believe that in 2016 parents will still tell their child to walk out of their home and never return.” “The SleepOut is an opportunity to talk about some of those most marginalised in our community, those who are homeless and LGBTI," says Matthews, who took part in the Big Sleepout for the first time last year. Matthews says Lifewise has worked alongside and supported Rainbow Youth for a number of years. " There are some really passionate people working on homelessness, including LGBTI homelessness. I’m really thankful to Lifewise as to how enthusiastic they were about this idea, and look forward to working with them over the coming months!” While each of the Team Rainbow members have a $1,500 target, as a team they are aiming for $20,000, all of which will go towards getting young LGBTI people into long-term, sustainable housing. The Lifewise Big Sleepout will take place on July 7th. Donations to Team Rainbow's Big Sleepout can be made here.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 18th June 2016 - 8:48pm