ON THURSAY 18 April, hundreds of people gathered at the MCG - not to cheer on their favourite team, but to raise money and awareness for youth homelessness. The inaugural ‘Sleep at the ‘G’, run by Melbourne City Mission and supported by the Melbourne Football Club, provided a unique experience for participants to get a small insight into what life is like for the homeless.

Colin Sylvia and Jimmy Toumpas volunteered their time at the event, along with fifteen Melbourne staff members, and past players David Neitz and Russell Robertson.

Sylvia said, “I feel privileged to be involved in such a great cause, especially in its first year. The Club is very good to be involved with such a great cause.”

Participants were given a cardboard box and pillow on arrival, before having their dinner served from a soup kitchen.

Jimmy said, “I couldn’t imagine sleeping on the street like homeless people do. You’ve got to be very courageous and work really hard to get out of that situation. It’s great that ‘Sleep at the ‘G’ is raising awareness and funds for these people to help them get out of their situation.”

To donate to the Melbourne Football Club ‘Sleep at the ‘G’ team, please click here.