Staff at Wattle House were thrilled when they learned their local team had come first in the national fundraiser.
The Maddington-based group, WAkey WAkey, was named the top fundraising team in the Sleep in Your Car campaign, raising $12,133 to support people experiencing homelessness
and financial hardship.
The win secured extra funds for local services.
Mission Australia Service Area Manager Leanne Monda said they had been watching the
leaderboard closely but held back on celebrating until the result was confirmed.
“We were so excited waiting for the announcement. We could see on the
leaderboard we were the top team, but until it’s official we didn’t really celebrate fully,” she said.
Leanne said the funds would help some of the most vulnerable people in Maddington and beyond.
“The funds raised from Sleep in Your Car go towards supporting those most vulnerable, those experiencing homelessness. Every dollar we raised will help Mission Australia make a difference in lives across Australia,” she said.
“For us in WA, Wattle House is on the frontlines supporting with early intervention, financial counselling, emergency food and supports. With more people in need each year, the demand continues to grow.”
The teammates and Leanne saw sleeping in their cars as a reminder of how difficult life can be without a safe place to call home.
“Homelessness, whether that’s sleeping on a friend’s couch, in your car, or on the streets, is a real possibility right now for many Australians,” she said.
“Experiencing only one night gave us the tiniest glimpse into this world and made us grateful for our own situation. I could only imagine how sleeping in your car would impact being able to go to work, raise kids, prepare food or go to school on a daily basis. It was a reminder to us all to act with compassion, give hope and avoid judgement.”
She said the night itself was emotional but uplifting.
“We had the benefit of our campaign being a part of a great team. We supported each other, motivated the team to fundraise and shared a meal before the event,” Leanne said.
“Many of our vulnerable community go through this alone. There’s no BBQ before they go to sleep, no ongoing celebration that they made it through the night in the car. It was a hard night’s sleep, but it was easier being with others, having people celebrate our efforts and our success.”
Mission Australia Area Manager Robyn Fernihough said community support like this was important to keeping essential services running.
“This support is crucial, and the money will be used to ensure vulnerable people receive the support they need to meet the everyday needs of their families,” Robyn said.
“We will use the money to purchase food and medication which, based on current need, will assist over 450 individuals and families for a month.
It will make an incredible difference for people doing it tough at the moment.”
Leanne said the community’s generosity played a huge role in the campaign’s success.
“Thank you so much to all who joined the campaign, shared our fundraising or donated themselves,” she said.
“We see so many generous community members providing donations of non-perishable foods to Wattle House, warm jackets and bedding during our winter months, and financial contributions for our fundraising
efforts including this campaign and Christmas Lunch in the Park. WA people are so generous, we truly appreciate every contribution.”
Clients who visit Wattle House each week also shared their gratitude for the campaign.
“Fantastic. Looking after the people who need it most,” one said. “Very helpful in lots of ways to lots of people.”
Another described the fundraiser as “wonderful” and “awesome,” while others said the help provided was “powerful” and “a big support with the cost of living.”
“Community BBQs mean a lot. For some people, it’s the only nutritious meal they have that day,” one client said.
Others wanted to send their thanks to those who donated.
“Very well done! A huge thank-you,” said one. “We appreciate the kindness you show. We feel the government should do more, not less.”
Leanne said she hoped the success of the WAkey WAkey team would inspire others to give back.
“I’m so proud of our WAkey WAkey team and would hope this inspires others within Mission Australia or the broader community to consider how they can give back, contribute to local organisations, and show kindness, compassion and understanding when they cross paths with those more vulnerable,” she said.
