Rough Sleepers Run Marathon to Raise Funds for the Homeless
The Fletcher Street Cottage Running Team
OFF THE STREET ON OUR FEET
In an inspiring effort to raise funds and awareness for our community’s most vulnerable, a small team who have personally faced homelessness are preparing to participate in the highly anticipated Gold Coast Half Marathon. Their mission is to support Fletcher Street Cottage, a unique space in Byron Bay that provides basic services such as food, showers, laundry, and direct support such as advocacy and referrals.
Mathew Broster, the team leader who was once a rough sleeper himself, is spearheading this incredible initiative to give back to the cottage that played a pivotal role in helping him to get back on his feet. He expressed his determination to make a difference by leading the Fletcher Street Cottage Running Team.
BREAKING stereotypes
Mathew shared his personal journey, stating:
"At Fletcher Street Cottage, many of us rely on the morning breakfast, showers, laundry and shelter as essential means for survival. By bringing together a strong group of us who have experienced rough sleeping, running side by side, we aim to create awareness and break the stereotypes and stigmas related to homelessness.”
The Running Team are actively participating in weekly training sessions supported by the Byron Bay Runners club and culminating in the Gold Coast Half Marathon, scheduled to take place on July 1, 2023. By doing so, the team hopes to raise much-needed funds to support Fletcher Street Cottage.
“With a running coach to guide us, arrangements made for a dogsitter, a scenic coastline to run on, and a consistent training program in place, we have a clear plan - to get Off the Street, On Our Feet. Every donation we receive motivates us to keep going. Please donate to this initiative and support rough sleepers in the Byron community.”
Fletcher Street Cottage, a lifeline for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, depends entirely on the support and generosity of the community it serves. With no ongoing government funding, people from all walks of life are encouraged to support this extraordinary effort, not only to help those in need but also to empower and uplift these inspiring individuals as they work towards improving their health and forging connections within the community.
AN INSPIRING JOURNEY
The journey towards the marathon's finish line will undoubtedly be challenging, but it will be a symbol of resilience, hope and unity. The efforts of the Fletcher Street Cottage Running Team serve as an inspiration to the wider community, showcasing the potential for transformation and the power of collective action in addressing homelessness.
To support this worthy cause and contribute to the success of the Fletcher Street Cottage Running Team, individuals and businesses are encouraged to make donations. By doing so, they can play an active role in changing lives, breaking down barriers, and building a stronger and more inclusive community.
Let us come together, rally behind these incredible individuals, and help them reach the finish line, one step at a time.
sponsor the running team
For more information about the marathon fundraiser or to make a donation, please visit: https://www.pozible.com/project/off-the-street-on-our-feet
To become a sponsor, contact fsc@byroncentre.com.au or (02) 6685 6807.
To learn more about Fletcher Street Cottage and to donate, visit www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
Presented by Byron Community Centre and Fletcher Street Cottage
SPONSORS
Proudly sponsored by Byron Bay Runners Club and The Healthy Minds Club
The Byron Community Centre is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides essential services including meals, advocacy and counselling, as well as arts and social programs for the benefit of the whole community. For more information please see: www.byroncentre.com.au.
Fletcher Street Cottage provides support and services for people at risk of homelessness, or already sleeping rough. For more information please see: www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.