MICHAEL Hibberd and Jake Melksham have urged the public to throw their support behind ‘Sleep at the ‘G’, which aims to raise funds and awareness to help put youth homelessness to bed.

More than 6,000 young people are homeless in Victoria and the two Demons are ambassadors for this year’s event, which will be held on Thursday night, May 17 at the MCG.

“I think it’d be great if groups of people can come down. We’re hoping to raise $800,000 for the cause … and to help eradicate this problem,” Melksham told Melbourne Media.   

“It’s great that the Melbourne Football Club is doing something for youth homelessness with the Melbourne City Misson.”

Melksham said he was proud to be an ambassador for the cause for the first time.

“There are some serious issues that are going on in the community, with youth homelessness. There are around 6,000 people that are without a home at the minute, among our youth, so it’s quite embarrassing that that’s where we’re at with these things, so I’ve come along to help-out,” he said.

“It doesn’t sit too well [with me], and it’s a full-on experience for people to be without a roof over their head. We’re all quite lucky enough to live in our own home or with our parents or whoever it might be.

“I couldn’t even think of my little girl Frankie growing up as a teenager or as a young kid without a roof over their head. It’s something that I want to help out and eradicate this problem.”

Melksham said homelessness really hit home more these days, since becoming a father.

“It does. Until you actually see it or you’re privy to this, then it’s something that’s out of sight, out of mind,” he said.

“To be involved now and to understand what’s going on … and to be able to try and make a difference is really good.”

After being involved last year, Hibberd said he was looking forward to raising more funds.

“I did it last year with Christian Petracca and it was a really fun night,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to it again … so I’m hoping for a bigger number this year.

“I’ve learned a lot about youth homelessness in Melbourne – it is a problem and it has been for years, but Melbourne City Misson is doing a great job to try and stamp that out … hopefully we can get a few more numbers and dollars [from Sleep at the ‘G] can help them out this year.”

Hibberd said it was a great opportunity for friends to come together and raise money.

“We enjoy our beds too much at home, so to put yourself in the scenario … it might be good for you. But it is a great night,” he said.

“I’m really hoping we can get over 1000 people and raise more than $800,000 for this event … which would be really good and it’ll really help out the Melbourne City Misson.

“We’re just hoping that everyone gets along and we can raise those dollars.”