Over $100,000 raised to help fight youth homelessness

A partnership between IDP and Melbourne City Mission (MCM) has resulted in more than $100,000 raised over three years to help end youth homelessness in Melbourne. 

These funds, primarily raised through IDP’s Sleep at The'G participation, have helped build two youth refuges in Melbourne. 

Georgia Murphy, Head of People Experience at IDP, said the partnership speaks to the central values of IDP Education. 

“IDP is committed to improving the communities where we live and operate. As a global company, many of our activities are based internationally,” Ms Murphy said.   

“Many of our customers around the world are young people, so the work MCM does to protect youth at risk and help them into education and employment opportunities resonates with our teams.” 

“It is important for us to have this connection to MCM as we are headquartered here,” she said. 

Ms Murphy said that although the annual Sleep at The‘G fundraiser was something teams embraced, it was heartening to see teams get on board virtually this year. 

“Melbourne’s lockdown didn’t dampen the spirit of our team. We had colleagues and their families set up tents, in driveways, loungerooms and backyards,” Ms Murphy said. 

“Add to that virtual fashion parades, auctions and even best dressed prizes for pets and you could see momentum grow within our teams,” she said.  

The virtual efforts of IDP in 2020 was enough for the team to be named highest corporate fundraiser for the year. 

MCM CEO Vikki Sutton, congratulated IDP on their ongoing commitment to helping put youth homelessness to bed. 

“We were delighted to see IDP Education take out the top prize of the biggest fundraiser this year. 

“They are up against companies with many more employees, but IDP consistently impresses us with their dedication and commitment,” Ms. Sutton said. 

Ms Sutton said the funds raised were especially welcome this year as the community struggles with the far-reaching fallout of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

“In a period where we are seeing more people struggle financially, the work we do at MCM has never been more critical,” Ms Sutton said. 

MCM is continuing to provide essential services to all Victorians during the COVID-19 health crisis. 

For updates on services please visit mcm.org.au 

If your organisation would like to support Sleep At The ‘G or  MCM in other ways, please contact their Corporate Partnerships Manager at business@mcm.org.au 

MCM is the largest youth homeless service provider in Victoria and has a well-established reputation in the sector for tackling the root causes of homelessness and working toward supporting young people out of homelessness and into adult independence. MCM operates five youth accommodation centres, among them is Frontyard Youth Services – Australia’s largest 24-hour emergency crisis accommodation centre for young people experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless.

MCM is a leading not-for-profit working alongside people to live the life they aspire to, their way. MCM provides a diverse and broad range of support programs and services in: youth homelessness, early years, justice, disability, palliative care, early childhood intervention, and education. For over 165 years, MCM has sought to create inclusive, fair and just communicates across Victoria, to ensure all people have equal access to opportunities.