Margaret roughs it
WHILE some of us complain our house is not the biggest or best in the street, others stare at the underside of a bridge, praying they make it through the night.
While we whinge that our steak is slightly overcooked, others trawl through a bin, searching for anything that resembles food.
Every day, the little things in life are taken for granted and Goomburra Forest Retreat's managing director Margaret Cairns is ready to make a difference.
On June 21, Mrs Cairns will trade the comforts of her warm bed for a square of cardboard and spend the night as a homeless person in the streets of Brisbane.
The annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout is to raise money for St Vincent de Paul so they can continue to provide support for the homeless.
"It's just such a huge issue in this country and we're not even third world," Mrs Cairns said.
She, along with hundreds of other fundraisers, will don their beanies and rough it for a night, which Mrs Cairns said was a rather frightening ordeal.
"I don't even camp," she laughed.
"But I will gain more appreciation of how fortunate my life is."
She said the issue of homelessness was one close to her heart, and though she had never had a personal experience in line with it, she felt passionate about its prominence in society.
"Even here in Warwick there is a problem (with homelessness)," Mrs Cairns said.
"If we can't build more affordable housing, then we need to build more hostels."
Mrs Cairns said the fundraiser was the perfect way for people to have a taste of what it's really like to live on the streets and encouraged all to either get involved or sponsor her.
If you would like to donate or sign up for the sleep out, visit ceosleepout.org.au, search for Margaret Cairns and donate.
