Roughing it highlights message

Maxine Boag will sleep in her car for at least one night as part of a 40-hour Sleepout Challenge to raise funds and awareness for Limitless Hope. Photo / Paul Taylor

Sleeping in a car in below average temperatures is not something many would do by choice.

But Kevin Swannell does not fit the average category - with wife Kiri and their six children, he has dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate.

So for 40 hours this weekend the former engineer, who is about to embark on full-time social work study, will lead a Sleepout Challenge to raise awareness and money for Hawke's Bay's first emergency shelter.

Property Brokers donated its former Hastings office as a start and Hawke's Bay Today launched the Limitless Hope Emergency Shelter Appeal, to gather services needed to make it happen.

Already many businesses and individuals have come forward but the family still need all the help they can get.

Napier city councillor Maxine Boag and Tukituki Labour spokeswoman Anna Lorck put their names down to participate in the sleepout for at least one night but Mrs Swanell hopes more businesses, councillors, mayors and MPs will join the slumber party. "This is to give a real feel of what those facing hardship experience," Mrs Swannell said.

The camp-out will take place in the carpark next to Ocean Spa on Marine Parade, with Napier City Council giving permission to occupy up to 15 spaces on Friday and Saturday.

Ms Boag sent a group email encouraging all Hawke's Bay Regional, Hastings District and Napier City councillors to join the challenge.

"It's an opportunity for community leaders to show our support," she said.

"This is a great project to support our neediest citizens."

The Swannells hope it will attract more donations for their appeal as well as give people an opportunity to walk in the shoes of those who end up sleeping rough.

"It's raising that awareness that people do live in their cars for short and long periods through no fault of their own," Ms Boag said.

"It's a choice for me - I could drive off home in the middle of the night, they can't go home and it's often whole families."

People who cannot sleep over can give money to help the cause, or support someone who is involved.

Mrs Swannell will be running the Soup Truck from 6pm on Saturday, so participants can enjoy a hot cup of soup.

-To take part, email: swannellk@yahoo.co.nz; or text 027 301 9491.