Lifewise’s Trade Me auction highlights the realities of homelessness in Auckland

Lifewise has teamed up with Trade Me to highlight the growing problem of homelessness in New Zealand, with a unique auction that promises the “ultimate B&B experience”.

The auction promises a “once in a lifetime” experience, with “gold standard open-plan living under the twinkling city lights” and a “deluxe cardboard mattress, and luxurious tarpaulin to use in case of Moira Lawler, Lifewise General Manager, says the auction is a cheeky way to shine a light on the harsh realities of homelessness in New Zealand. “People sleeping rough in our city centre are facing some long, cold nights ahead,” she says. “The streets should never be anyone’s home. Through the Lifewise Big Sleepout, we raise funds desperately needed to help people get off the streets and into permanent homes.”

The highest bidder will win a truly unique experience – sharing a sleeping patch, without shelter, with some of New Zealand’s finest leaders at the Lifewise Big Sleepout on July 2nd. All funds raised will go towards Lifewise’s work housing the homeless, and giving people the support they need to get back on their feet.

Head of community, Paul Ford says Trade Me’s support of Lifewise was a “no brainer.” “Lifewise do fantastic work helping those who struggle with the harsh reality of homelessness in New Zealand.

This is a way that we can help raise awareness of how hard life can be on the street,” he says. “It’s one of the more unusual accommodation experiences we’ve seen auctioned off. Hopefully our members get into the spirit of the auction because someone will win themselves something pretty unique.”

This year’s Big Sleepout participants include Blues players Josh Bekhuis and Joe Edwards, singer Lizzie Marvelly, AUT Vice Chancellor, Derek McCormack, BNZ Chief Executive Anthony Healy, KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy, Heritage Hotels Chief Executive Graham Yan, and Signature Homes Chief Executive Paul Bull.

The event sees companies that are competitors by day coming together by night to raise over $200,000 for Lifewise’s life-changing work with the homeless. This year’s teams include AUT, the University of Auckland, Westpac, ANZ, Vodafone, Spark, 2Degrees, Skinny Mobile.

The Lifewise Big Sleepout is an annual event and will be held this year at AUT. The Big Sleepout shines a spotlight on homelessness, and raises the vital funds needed to end homelessness in New Zealand.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.bigsleepout.org.nz. To view the auction visit trade.me/thebigsleepout.

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