Media Release – 5 July 2016
KPMG Partner sleeps rough for Rainbow Youth

KPMG Partner, Kay Baldock, is joining an inspiring list of representatives who have committed to Lifewise’s Big Sleepout.

On July 7, Baldock will be made homeless for one cold night, stripped of the creature comforts that she takes for granted and exposed to the elements to gain insight into what it means to sleep rough.

With only a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard for bedding, Baldock will be joined by other influential Kiwis as she takes a public stand for Auckland's homeless population at the annual Lifewise Big Sleepout.

Baldock will be joining Team RainbowYOUTH at the Lifewise Big Sleepout to raise awareness and funds for LGBT youth homelessness in New Zealand. In partnership between RainbowYOUTH and Lifewise, this will be the first targeted intervention for LGBT people in New Zealand.

Baldock says she is spurred on to participate, because a staggering 40% of under 25-year-olds who are homeless identify as LGBT. “Sadly this statistic isn’t surprising when you learn that 26% of LGBT youth who come out to family become disowned and homeless,” she said.
“At KPMG we have recently received theRainbow Tick endorsement, and formed our pride@kpmg allies network and I am proud to be part of the allies network.”

Baldock says, while it's great that NZ won marriage equality in 2013, there is still work to be done, specifically access to housing for LGBT young people. Baldock believes fundamentally that everyone should have a safe place to call home.

With every dollar that Baldock raises, RainbowYOUTH and Lifewise will work together over the next 12 months to improve the life for LGBT homeless youth in Auckland.

Support Kay and Team RainbowYOUTH here:

Go to http://bigsleepout.org.nz/page/kaybaldocksto donate to Kay Baldock’s mission and support Team RainbowYOUTH.

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