By Alesha Capone
Sisters Maisie and Esther Csar are among the Geelong District Girl Guides taking part in an event to raise funds and awareness for a worthwhile cause.
From August 2 to 8 – which is also National Homelessness Week – the Guides are participating in Iso Brave the Cold 2020.
The event will raise funds for The Geelong Project, which supports homeless youth in the local area.
As part of the event, the Guides are being asked to sleep on the floor each night, to gain an insight into the plight of homeless youth. The Guides also seek sponsors and raise funds.
Esther and Maisie’s mother, Ellen Csar, said their wider family were sponsoring the sisters’ efforts.
District Manager for Girl Guides in Geelong, Belinda George, said Brave the Cold began in 1998 and has run every August since then.
“We feel this is a really worthwhile event for our Girl Guides, teaching them understanding, compassion and community awareness,” Ms George said.
She said the event usually involved the Guides camping outdoors in large cardboard refrigerator boxes, and having a simple meal for dinner.
“This year it looks a bit different, with social distancing and the well-being of our girls to consider,” she said.
“In place of a single night outdoors in a box, this year we have asked the girls to give up their beds for a week.
“If they are unable to give up their bed for physical or other reasons, we ask that they give up something else like electronics, their toys, or they may decide to only eat soup for the week.
“If members of the community wish to donate to this event, with all funds going directly to The Geelong Project, I welcome them to contact me on belinda.george@guidesvic.org.au.”
Details: www.geelonggirlguides.com
