By Dongyun Kwon and Tanya Steele
Library staff members across Yarra Ranges took off their uniforms and wore casual clothes to support a cause for homeless people on Friday 9 May.
Your Library chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Karina Lamb is joining the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday 19 June, taking a personal stand against homelessness and raising crucial funds for St Vincent de Paul Society.
Dr Lamb said this isn’t just another fundraising event.
“I understand the challenges of unstable housing and the fear and uncertainty it brings. I see the growing number of individuals we serve at our library branches who are facing housing stress,” she said.
“I also know that with the right support, lives can change. That’s why I’m sleeping out for the thousands of people doing it every night, not by choice, and for the young people, the families, the older people slipping through the cracks.
“One night won’t fix homelessness. But it can raise money that keeps someone warm, safe, and supported.”
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a one-night event held on one of the longest and coldest nights of the year.
Hundreds of CEOs, business owners as well as community and government leaders sleep outdoors to support the many Australians who are experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness.
Each CEO Sleepout participant commits to raising a minimum amount of funds to help Vinnies provide essential services to the people who need them.
In a show of solidarity and support for the CEO’s participation, Your Library staff wore casual clothes instead of their uniforms.
This initiative aimed to raise further awareness among library visitors and encourage contributions to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout fundraiser.
Healesville Library team leader Sabina Wills said it was great to take part in the initiative.
“We’ve been promoting it to our patrons that come in because they ask why we’re out of uniform,” she said.
“It’s a fantastic cause. Homelessness is a very big issue, and it’s great to raise money for it.”
Your Library encourages the community to support Dr Lamb and staff members’ efforts in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, which will contribute to providing essential services for those experiencing homelessness.
Donations can be made online at ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/karinalamb17423/victoria
