Bega Valley CEOs join Vinnies Sleepout

Three hardy souls from the Bega Valley will brave the overnight winter chill as the national Vinnies CEO Sleepout takes place in the region for the first time.

Senior Constable Jamie Cooper from Eden, Stephen Pope of Pope Logging and Brendon Bobbin, from Bob-bin Transport will be sleeping out at the Merimbula basketball courts to raise funds to support homelessness in the region.

This is the first time the national Vinnies CEO Sleepout has taken place on the Far South Coast.

"Being from an emergency services background I see first-hand the effects of homelessness in the region and at times feel helpless to assist due to limited options available on the Far South Coast," Mr. Cooper said.

"It is a matter which is becoming more apparent due to lack of housing and the current cost of living in the area and surrounds."

The funds raised by local leaders will assist with Vinnies emergency relief in the community such as emergency accommodation, food, clothing and helping with bills, providing practical support to people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

From January to March 2023, Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn emergency relief volunteers aided 849 people in the Far South Coast with food, fuel, rent, and medical bills. CEO of Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn Lucy Hohnen said these numbers were growing daily because of the cost-of-living pressure and the housing affordability crisis.

"The most recent census data revealed that incidents of all forms of homelessness have remained stubbornly high," Ms. Hohnen said.

"The alarming data paints a grim picture of the dire need in the region and has summoned urgent action. Local leaders passionate about helping people doing it tough in their area can step up to make a difference."

This year's CEO Sleepout will be a hybrid in-person and online event on June 22.

Participants can join the physical event at the Merimbula basketball court, or join virtually by sleeping in their car, backyard, or their couch and experiencing the live stream on the night, connecting with more than 100leaders around the nation.

"What is one night sleeping rough to bring awareness of this situation and to raise money to help people in need? I challenge more to get on board and do it!" Mr Pope said.

"If I can help get people off the streets, I will be happy," Mr Bobbin said.

You don't have to be a CEO to participate in this event," Ms Hohnen added.

"We are encouraging small business owners, business and community leaders with the heart to make a difference to join the Sleepout and leverage their network to raise funds to support the less fortunate in our community."

To register visit: ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/farsouthcoast

Source: Eden Magnet