Vinnies Winter Sleepout

St Andrew’s Vinnies Winter Sleepout 2025
Theme: “Eyes of Compassion”

On Friday, June 20, students and staff from St Andrew’s College gathered for the 2025 Vinnies Winter Sleepout—a powerful overnight experience designed to build empathy for those experiencing homelessness. Inspired by Matthew 25:35-40, the event challenged participants to see others through "Eyes of Compassion" and respond with dignity, kindness, and justice.

Students gave up comforts for the night, slept on cardboard, and took part in a moving program that included Scripture reflections, personal testimonies, a homelessness simulation, and a meaningful clothing drive. Each donated item was carefully sorted and paired with a handwritten “Compassion Card” to offer warmth and encouragement to someone in need to be distributed during our next Vinnies Van shift..

The night also featured team-based recreational rotations, highlighting the importance of community, connection, and hope. Thanks to strong student leadership, committed staff, and thoughtful preparation, the evening ran seamlessly and left a lasting impact on all involved.

This was more than a school event—it was a call to action. One that reminds us that small acts of compassion can transform lives. Thank you to all of the teachers who gave up their time to accompany the Year 12 students during the evening; your presence makes such a difference.

On behalf of the Mission Team.

Street Retreat

Street Retreat 2025 – Walking with Compassion

On Sunday 1st June, a group of 14 students, accompanied by Miss Tan and Ms Estepa took part in the 2025 Street Retreat—an immersive day designed to live out the Gospel message of compassion in the heart of Sydney.

Beginning at Blacktown Station before sunrise, students journeyed to Hope Street in Woolloomooloo, where they served breakfast to those doing it tough and joined in a local Baptist church service. They then visited the Hope Street Educational Centre, walked through Kings Cross, and reflected on the lived experiences of people experiencing homelessness, guided by Ralph Kershler and Nick Brown.

Carrying the words of Matthew 25:35-40, students were invited to see others with the eyes of Christ and recognise the dignity in every person. It was a humbling, eye-opening day that deepened their faith, challenged assumptions, and strengthened their commitment to justice.

Below are some personal testimonies of students who experienced the day.

Vinnies Winter Sleepout: Personal Testimony

At the start of the month, I was chosen alongside 6 other students to attend the Street Retreat in the Sydney CBD. The Street Retreat was a truly memorable and life-changing experience that I will carry with me forever. I was grateful for the opportunity to take part in a day that not only allowed me to give back to the community, but also transformed the way I view homelessness and human connection, which has then led to the Vinnies Winter Sleepout.

Throughout the day, we met our guides, Ralph and Nick, volunteered at Hope Street, where we handed out food and drinks, and spoke with people experiencing homelessness. These conversations helped break down assumptions and brought me closer to their realities. We then took part in a Baptist Church Service that felt very inclusive and community-focused. It was so different from anything I’d experienced before. We students were invited to do readings, and those who came for the service even got up to share reflections that were deeply moving.

My main goal going into the retreat was to hear personal stories from those who have experienced homelessness and see what their life is like, so I could better understand the challenges they face. I did achieve this goal in different ways throughout the entire day but it stood out to me the most when we listened to Nick’s story. One part of his story that stuck with me the most was hearing about the struggles he had with his parents, had fights and arguments with them, and finally deciding to leave his home at 16 years old. Ever since then, he hasn’t seen his family in years, but he recently found out that they are in Queensland and is currently saving up money to go visit them. His honesty and strength deeply moved me. Despite facing homelessness multiple times, he never gave up. He kept building his life back up, and that resilience left a strong impact on me.

From this experience, one important idea I learnt was to always have “eyes of compassion”, hence the theme of this year’s Vinnies Winter Sleepout. It reminded us all that serving the homeless is not just about offering material items but about sharing empathy, understanding, and presence. As an empath myself, I felt a strong connection because I resonated with their emotions and human dignity. This experience made me realise how important it is to remain grateful for what I have, especially when Nick told us that when we go home, we should give our family a big hug to show our appreciation. 

All of this was inspired by the scripture passage that Miss Tan told us to read which was Matthew 25:35-40. This scripture reminds us that when we care for the most vulnerable such as those who are hungry, cold, or forgotten, we are serving Christ Himself. Through the Street Retreat, and now through the Winter Sleepout, we are answering that Gospel call to love God by loving others.

Vinnies Winter Sleepout : Personal Testimony

Focus on your experience of Street Retreat. What impacted you the most?

On the 1st of June, myself, as well as 6 other students, had the privilege of participating in the Street Retreat program where we visited BaptistCare and HopeStreet in Woolloomooloo…

What I wanted to get out of this retreat: 

• What I hoped to gain from this retreat was a deeper, more personal understanding of homelessness beyond what we see in just passing. I wanted to see the contrast between how homelessness presents itself in central Sydney compared to our local community here in Blacktown. I also haven’t had the chance to participate in the Vinnies Van program, so I saw this Street Retreat as an opportunity to serve and learn from the community directly in a way. 

• Coincidentally, in our CAFS class, we had also been learning about groups within the community, specifically the homeless, overall exploring the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and the services available to support them, so I felt it was a good opportunity to participate and engage firsthand.

Eyes of Compassion:

• Our guides: Raph & Nick

• When we first met Nick, one of the first things he told us was to always look with eyes of compassion. He reminded us that individuals experiencing homelessness may be going through incredibly tough days, and we never know the weight they’re carrying. Sometimes, something as simple as a smile or a kind word can brighten their entire day, a small gesture that reminds them they’re seen and valued.

Throughout Street Retreat, I felt 3 main emotions:

Relieved

After helping out with the community at HopeStreet, I felt a deep sense of relief knowing that there are such compassionate people dedicating their time to support those in need. It was comforting to see places like the Ozanam Learning Centre, the youth centre, and many other facilities providing essential services. Whether big or small, every act of kindness was driven by genuine care and love.

Regretful

In the morning, we had the opportunity to assist with breakfast services like packing sandwiches, bagging dog food, and chatting with members of the community. I found myself wishing I had more courage and time to truly connect with those who showed up. I just regretted not being able to engage more in conversation with them. To make up for it, I did my best to contribute behind the scenes, whether it was volunteering first to set up chairs, offering drinks, or leading the opening prayer. 

Grateful

This experience made me forever grateful for my friends, family and life in general. It opened my eyes to the realities of homelessness and how quickly one’s life could change. Nick gave us such a moving story that it made us teary-eyed. At the end of his story, he left us with three things:

1. D.D.D = don’t do drugs
2. Treat those whom we see on the street with kindness, look at them with eyes of compassion
3. Go to our families and give them a hug, kiss them, tell them how much you love them…

Those things stayed with me. They reminded me to never take what I have for granted and to treat every person, no matter their situation with humanity and love. Nick’s story wasn’t just something I heard. It was something I felt. And it’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.

What impacted you the most?

One of the most impactful moments of the retreat was hearing Nick’s story. It was honest, emotional, and honestly, so eye-opening. 

• Him and his parents didn't have the best relationship, which resulted in him living with his grandparents for some time.

• Nick experienced homelessness twice during his youth. The first time was at just 16 years old, when he fled an abusive home and began couch-surfing at his school friends' places just to survive. Eventually, he started an apprenticeship as a carpenter and tried to rebuild his life. But after being underpaid and suffering a serious injury, Nick found himself homeless once again, proof of just how fragile stability can be in a way.

• With the help of HopeStreet and Raph, Nick was able to access safe accommodation, support services, and begin rebuilding. He returned to work and study, and now dreams of starting his own business, one that creates opportunities for others who’ve experienced homelessness, just like him.

Listening to his journey honestly moved me to tears. His story reminded me how quickly things can change, and how none of us are immune to life’s unpredictability. What struck me most was his humility and resilience (finding his parents after saving). 

The Faith and Mission Team