![](https://southwestvoice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/camdenmayorsleepoutjuly24xxxx.jpg)
The Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, is calling on local businesses and residents to join her in a Winter Sleepout event on July 26 to raise funds for Mission Australia.
Participants will have the opportunity to experience ‘rough sleeping’’ for one night at Onslow Oval, to heighten their awareness of homelessness and poverty.
Cr Cagney, pictured above in the centre of Camden, urged the community to get involved and donate.
“More than 122,000 people are without a secure place to sleep every night in Australia. We need to do something to address this,” she said.
“By experiencing just a fraction of what homeless individuals endure, we can raise awareness and much-needed funds to combat this issue.
“Imagine the impact if every household in Camden contributed just $1. Together, we can make a significant difference,” Mayor Cagney said.
The event, which will start from 6pm on Friday night (July 26) will include the option for attendees to purchase a custom beanie (with all funds going directly to Mission Australia).
There will be a guest speaker from Mission Australia, promotional opportunities for businesses which have raised significant funds, free community barbecue and a coffee van.
Prizes will be awarded to the highest fundraisers in several categories, including the top three businesses or CEOs, top individual fundraisers and their runner-ups, and the top team from the community along with their runner-up.
All funds raised will go directly to Mission Australia.
To sign up and find out how you can donate, visit bit.ly/mayorswintersleepout Mission Australia is a nation-wide charity fighting to end homelessness.
Last year, they supported over 149,000 Australians on their journey towards independence.