Former Matildas’ captain Julie Murray has signed up to ‘sleep rough’ for the third year in a row, in a bid to raise much needed funds to support homeless youth.
On the 16th of October, Murray will join fellow sporting stars at the Sydney Cricket Ground where they will sleep on the hallowed turf for the Chappell Foundation’s Sport Stars Sleepout.
With just a sleeping bag and a cardboard box for shelter, they will get a taste of what is a sad reality for 1 in 200 Australians every night.
“This charity and event resonates with me, having two young boys,” Murray said of her involvement in the fundraiser.
“The very thought of kids not having a safe place to live and a home life that is supportive and loving is particularly sad and needs to be addressed as a matter pf priority.”
In “good” times there are an estimated 40,000 young people without a permanent address. Post- COVID there are many more.
This year, Julie will not be the only footballer participating in the event, with fellow former Matilda Thea Slatyer along with CommBank Young Matildas Sarah Hunter, Charlize Rule, Abbey Lemon and Kirsty Fenton also giving up the privilege of a warm and comfortable place to sleep.
Participating in 2020 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, 2021 was different for Murray due to COVID restrictions. Last year, the event took place virtually with sporting stars sleeping on their floor, backyard or couches at home, but this year, the event has returned to the SCG.
“In 2020, I was in the middle of the SCG, I made a bit of a housing structure from cardboard to cover myself from the elements and had a sleeping bag and very much-needed beanie.
“I have to admit, it was a little chilly and not comfortable, however nothing compared to what the youth homeless are experience today,” Murray said of her experience of sleeping on the turf.
“I wouldn’t liken our ‘sleeping rough’ to those without roofs over their heads, but it does provide a snippet of the environmental conditions that the youth homeless encounter every day and night.
“This does not take into consideration the emotional and mental impact on them either, so it’s hard to comprehend and truly understand if you have never been in a situation like they are, of which I am so very grateful for life and upbringing,” she continued.
“Again, that brings me back to my children where the importance of providing a nurturing, supportive and loving environment in which to grow and thrive is critical.”
The Chappell Foundation gives 100 percent of funds raised to charities working to house, feed and train homeless and at risk young people.
You can support Julie and the Chappell Foundation by donating HERE
