We've been sleeping out in winter for more than 20 years now and we've watched as the ideas for our event get even wackier and commitment to the cause grows stronger. It's enough to warm even the frostiest heart!

The original Winter Sleepout was held in Sydney's Martin Place in 1988, when our first hardy batch of about 50 participants braved a night on the cold, granite pavement.

Since then, we've had Girl Guides spending a night at Taronga Zoo, drifting off to the sounds of snoring lions, tigers and bears (oh my!). And our Sleepout has become a truly national event.

In 1999, Freemantle Gaol in Western Australia and Boggo Road Gaol in Brisbane both filled their cells with people prepared to experience life as a convict for a night. That same year in Sydney, the Opera House forecourt hosted a family fun day, ending with a Sleepout on the Opera House steps.

These days, we see more and more events being organised through social media, like Facebook and Twitter. This has also become a great way for people to share their Winter Sleepout photos and stories during and after the event.

So this year, it's your turn. Dream as big or as small as you like - your Winter Sleepout doesn't need to be a major event, it can be whatever, and wherever you want it to be.

Start with a simple plan, if that's what you prefer, and organise your event in a community hall, school, shopping centre, backyard - or even your living room (where you're far less likely to be woken by any snoring lions).

Wherever you sleep, make sure you get online and tell us about it: tweet, Facebook, blog and email everyone you know - and especially us, so that we can still be talking about your event in the 20 years to come.