Inside Golf, Australia. June 2014 | Page 18

industry Nudgee GM to sleep rough – again David Newbery [email protected] S LEEPING rough to combat homelessness doesn’t faze Nudgee Golf Club general manager Aaron Muirhead. He did it last year and he’s warming up to do it again on Thursday, June 19 at The CourierMail Piazza, South Bank Parklands. He’s also urging other golf club managers to join him. “I’m more than happy to sleep rough to highlight the plight of homelessness in Australia,” he said. “Business and community leaders are challenged to experience homelessness first-hand for just one night. “I have three children and we come together every night as a loving family and there’s some people out there without any love and they’re just out of luck. “Participating in this event is one small way I can help and support the great work that Vinnies do for unfortunate people. “At last year’s event, I was extremely shocked by the different people who found themselves homeless and I encourage everyone to volunteer their time to help this cause. “Listening to their stories and misfortune has certainly driven me to be involved again this year and hopefully for many years to come.” Aaron said he was surprised he was the only club manager that supported the event in Queensland. He said Vinnies provided three pieces of cardboard. “It’s not that comfortable and it’s cold,” he said. “The food is not something that we would generally eat when at home with our families. The menu is bread and soup.” He said the positive side to the event was engaging with like-minded CEOs. “The whole experience is very humbling and gives you an appreciation of the life and family that you have,” Aaron said. “The comedy routine provided by the various mayors that attend the event is another plus and the breakfast is much better than the dinner. “I enjoy listening to the people that Vinnies have supported over the years and how they have transformed their lives.” I ask Aaron why he thinks other club HOTTEST NEW CLEAT ON THE MARKET ... ™ GOLF CLEATS FEATURED ON THE FOLLOWING 2014 MODELS: 18 June 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au managers should join him at the sleepout event. “As community clubs, I believe that we, as managers, should support events such as these as they provide direct assistance to people in need,” he said. “Thirty-three percent of people who experience homelessness in Australia are children or young people. “That is more than 34,000 kids without a place they can call home. “And consequently, children in homeless families are more at risk of experiencing disadvantage and homelessness over their lifetime. “Managers that attend this event will walk away with a totally different opinion of homeless people – I know I did. “This is a fantastic cause and I am really looking forward to rolling out my sleeping bag and participating again in 2014. “I am really passionate about this cause and therefore urge other golf club managers to support the event and people in need.” Last year, Queensland CEOs collected approximately $750,000 in donations for St Vincent de Paul Society. Aaron Muirhead at last year’s Vinnies CEO sleepout.