Each year, June 21st marks the Winter solstice and longest night of the year – a particularly difficult time on the streets for over 32,000 homeless youth. In recognition of this, Open Family Australia have created The 21 Challenge, an initiative aimed at involving the wider community in raising funds vital to support disadvantaged and disengaged youth at risk. Today, the Belle Property blog takes a closer look at this very special cause and how everyone can help make a real difference in just 21 days!
For over three decades, Open Family Australia has provided a range of support services to young people aged between 12-25 years with critical or complex needs from all socio-economic groups. In more than 80% of cases, these young people are compromised as a result of family break down or conflict and become vulnerable to homelessness, drug abuse, crime, mental health challenges and disengagement from school, work or society in general. Open Family Australia’s Outreach programs benefit these at-risk young people across Victoria and NSW by providing youth focused services in their street environments. Comprehensive, ongoing support in all aspects of a young person’s life, restoring self-esteem and self-worth, a sense of purpose and integration into mainstream society are the ultimate aims. Freedom from drug abuse, providing safe housing and gainful employment are other positive examples of what can be achieved. A disadvantaged young person may need support for many months, even years, hence the need for ongoing funding.
The 21 Challenge is a real opportunity to support this worthy cause by being sponsored to do something you love, don’t love, or have never attempted before, for just 21 days. Last year alone, The 21 Challenge raised over $75,000 in valuable funds to support Open Family Australia’s programs. Need inspiration on what to do over 21 days? A chocoholic could give up chocolate, someone who always wears makeup could go without, a best friend could be challenged to go without their favourite TV show or any social media contact, a sister challenged to keep her bedroom tidy for the period. Businesses can easily join in the fun – sponsor staff for wearing a funny hat each day, team members bring their lunch and donate the money saved or run lunchtime bingo or charades! Once registered, participants can ‘up the ante’ with a personalised fundraising page, a thermometer that shows personal fundraising progress and space for images, videos and friends and family messages. Or simply donate – it all helps!
So, take the challenge and know that just 21 days of giving will make a massive difference to our disadvantaged youth and their quality of life. Please visit The 21 Challenge website for more information.