Miranda D’Silva couldn't be happier that Anglicare WA exceeded their fundraising goal and made $88,350 during their annual School Sleep Out at Optus Stadium on August 16.
The University of WA psychology student was Anglicare WA’s Events Intern during her McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship in Semester 1.
The Waterford resident (23) helped redesign the educational component of the annual sleep-out event, which aims to raise money for their mobile youth homelessness service Street Connect.
Anglicare WA Philanthropy Manager and intern supervisor Bec Stott said Ms D’Silva treated the project with “great respect”.
“She really tried to put herself in the shoes of our homeless clients when it came to creating profiles for the educational component,” Ms Stott said.
“Miranda has helped ensure that students who attend our Sleep Out have a meaningful and impactful experience, and her work only enhances their knowledge of what Anglicare WA does in the community to help young people in need.”
Waterford resident Ms D’Silva said her 100-hour internship “just flew by” and finished much too soon.
“Because the experience was so positive and went so quickly, I have decided to continue in the organisation through volunteer work one to two times a week,” she said.
The Bachelor of Science student said the internship opened her eyes to social issues happening in WA and how organisations like Anglicare WA aim to combat these issues.
“I got to hear stories from young people of how sleeping rough actually affected their lives,” she said.
Ms D’Silva said she would tell any student to “definitely apply” for the McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship program.
“You’re giving back to the community whilst also gaining life and work experience at the same time,” she said.
“You learn so much. It widens your perspective and you feel really good about making a difference.”