One project the Ballarat City Youth Council and Senior Council have really gotten behind this year is the Winter Sleepout. It's an initiative of the Melbourne City Mission. As part of this year's national Winter Relief Appeal, raising money for those living it tough in the inner city has branched out to include the surrounding area of Victoria. It is supported in conjunction with Mission Australia.

Not like this! The Winter Sleepout is a chance for kids to raise money for homeless young people around Australia by spending a night in a cardboard box.

This is the eighth year fundraising for homeless youth has taken place, but 2000 is only the second year in which an event has been held in Ballarat. It is part of National Homeless Persons Week running from the 6th to the 12th of August this year.

Ballarat's contribution to the cause is called "The Big Chill" which takes the form of a dance party, where afterwards, revellers are encouraged to sleep it rough with a group of friends. Their sponsorship money for having an uncomfortable night will go to those less fortunate in both Ballarat and Melbourne. The Ballarat City

The night is an attempt to raise awareness within the community, and to help out young people who don't have the option of a warm bed. It is used to fund programs that aid homeless young people.

The Melbourne City Mission supports over 11,000 people each year, and over 40% of these are young people. Winter Sleepouts will be held all over the country on Saturday the 12th of August. Last years sleepout had over 7,000 participants, and they managed to raised an amazing $142,000, their goal this year.

To get involved in the actions of Mission Australia, visit their web site. If you want to participate in Winter Sleepout 2000 visit and fill in a registration from. And if you don't live in Australia? Well, investigate opportunities in your local area. If there isn't anything like this, you might suggest it to your local council, or even take it up at a school level.