IN PICTURES: Albany’s Big Sleep Out smashes fundraising target in support of locals battling homelessness

Albany locals young and old rolled out their sleeping bags, swags and mattresses on Saturday night, raising more than $35,000 for people battling homelessness in our town. Hosted by the Albany Community Foundation, Albany’s Big Sleep Out returned bigger and better this year, with fundraisers more than doubling their initial goal of $15,000. More than 150 people flocked to the Albany Agricultural Society pavilions to enjoy live music, games and insights from local services on the frontline of Albany’s homelessness issue. About 60 people slept out, similar to the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough in Albany each night. Eight-year-old Amali Wood was the top individual fundraiser bringing in $4740, while Merrifield Real Estate was the top team raising more than $12,500. All proceeds will go into ACF’s homelessness fund, which can be accessed by local support agencies to provide immediate assistance to people in crisis. ACF event co-ordinator Stacey Murnane said the homelessness fund would be accepting donations all year round at acfwa.com.au.