Clare G, Year 12 student at Ravenswood School for Girls in Gordon and recently appointed School Vice-Captain, is the successful recipient of the Gail Kelly ‘Making a Difference’ 2022 Leadership Award.
The award, founded and funded by Ravenswood Council Chair Gail Kelly in 2019, encourages the philanthropic efforts of Ravenswood students by providing a student with $5,000 to support a local or international charity of their choice.
Clare is donating the funds to an organisation close to her heart, Sleepbus, which provides a safe, temporary overnight accommodation service for up to 20 guests each night in twin sleep pod cabins.
Two years ago, as Clare shared a hot meal with a homeless gentleman, he confided that his biggest struggle was sleep – it was cold, unsanitary, and unsafe. Medical research has shown that continuous deprivation of sleep increases the risk of stroke, diabetes, breast cancer, and heart disease, and contributes to weight gain, as well as increases anxiety levels and symptoms of depression.
Stemming from these experiences and amidst the global pandemic and harsh winter conditions, Clare’s desire to combat homelessness grew. “Sleep is an essential contributor to healthy wellbeing in all aspects of life. Whilst I have a bed, roof and a known feeling of safety, homeless Australians are deprived of this human right”, says Clare.
Simon Rowe, CEO of Sleepbus, explains that the $5,000 donated by Clare will contribute to 833 safe sleeps.
Ravenswood crowned for innovative education
Knox Ravenswood Cadet Unit
