News & Updates

On the 7th of October Hicksons Reserve under Sydney’s Harbour Bridge transformed as a fantastic group of kind-hearted and resilient people chose to make a difference by sleeping rough for the night, supporting Stepping Stone Houses (SSH) Sleep Under the Stars event to raise money for Homeless Youth and Youth at risk in NSW.

Sadly there are over 42,000 homeless people in Australia, nearly 50% of that 42,000 are 24 years of age and under. In NSW alone there are over 10,000 homeless youth under the age of 12 to age 24.

Established in 1989 Stepping Stone House is a not for profit organisation providing medium to long term accommodation and development for young people aged 12 – 24 who are homeless or for reasons cannot live with their families. Through their three houses they support and develop their young resident’s self-esteem, resilience, self-confidence and health through motivational experiential learning so that they can achieve responsible independence and be the best they can be. By the time they leave SSH most of the residents have gone through a life changing experience, completing school, learning valuable life skills, engaging in a part time job and saving enough money for a private rental lease.

As I looked around and saw the shanty town of erected Kennards Self Storage Boxes I felt very proud. Together we had raised a huge $155,000 all by sleeping out under the stars! The annual event gives participants a taste of what living rough looks like.

Settling in for the night a number of things soon became apparent. The city just doesn’t stop, with bystanders pointing and commenting; the sounds of trains, boats, sirens and sea of lights brightening up our beautiful city. As the evening progressed the event became alive with banter between the teams. People stopped in awe of what was happening, taking photos and asking questions as we continued the efforts in raising awareness. The imagination and effort that went into the shelters was truly fantastic, it’s amazing what can be made from a Kennards Box! We also had the pleasure of listening to one of the very brave Stepping Stone House residents speak about her life experience and how Stepping Stone House changed her life.

When I stirred the next morning I realised my glass of water wasn’t on my bedside table, I wasn’t cossetted by my goose down quilt and my worldly possessions weren’t arranged safely around my house. Instead I slept with my possessions inside my sleeping bag, I didn’t have any water and my pillow was a patch of grass. When I needed to go the bathroom I had a portaloo. Even as a participant I’d be a fool for not recognising this was all still far better than what most homeless experience.

Along with being a Gold Sponsor and also donating 900 Kennards Self Storage Boxes for all the participants to build their shelters for the night, Kennards Self Storage also entered a team and raised $14,243 for this beneficial cause.



Even more exciting the $155,000 raised by everyone will provide six young people a home, personal development and life skills for a whole year though Stepping Stone House. The 2017 Sleep Under the Stars event will be held on Friday 27th October. It’s a great team building and family event for a wonderful cause. Help Stepping Stone House make a difference. See you there!