CEO Sleepout launches for 2024 marking 15 years of impact

CEO Sleepout launches for 2024 marking 15 years of impact. 

This year Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn is staging their 15th Vinnies CEO Sleepout at a very special location. The event will bring together leaders from across the region to raise awareness and critical funds for Vinnies front-line services.   

This year the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held on 20 June 2024 at home of Australian democracy: Parliament House. With the support of the Department of Parliamentary Services, the aim is to raise over $800,000 to support Vinnies services across the ACT and surrounding regions, combating poverty and homelessness.  

The President of the Senate Senator the Hon Sue Lines congratulated Vinnies and all its ambassadors for their tenacity of purpose in combating homelessness. “Homelessness is a major issue across Australia. This is an issue which we are deeply committed to – and where the centre of Australia’s democracy needs to lead by example,” she said.  

The Speaker of the House of Representatives the Hon Milton Dick MP said “I am really proud to be participating this year, joining the CEOs and leaders here in Parliament House. I encourage everyone to reach out to their networks, spread the word about the Sleepout, and let everyone know that Vinnies need their support.”  

Lucy Hohnen, CEO of Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn said, “This year's theme is change needs you. I am challenging leaders in business, politics, and the community sector to help drive the change we need to address homelessness in our region. At Vinnies we see firsthand what the cost of living and housing crisis is doing to people from all backgrounds and stages of life. We know that's it's never been worse.” 

“Through our front-line services, made possible by community support like the Sleepout, we meet people at their lowest ebb and give them the essential hand up by preventing evictions, finding a safe place to sleep, rebuilding trust and more.”, said Lucy.  

“Our fundraising target reflects the significant need in our community that we need to meet, and I would like to hope that with this inspiring venue, the stories of lived experience that the participants will hear on the night and seeing the impact of our work, we may well exceed that amount, we'll need every dollar. We thank the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services, Rob Stefanic and the Presiding Officers for their incredible support to make possible the 15th Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Canberra.”, said Lucy. 

Rob Stefanic said “our department has proudly maintained an association with Vinnies for a number of years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic. I am honoured that we’ve been able to now finally host this critical fundraising initiative”. 

After a successful Sleepout last year in the Far South Coast, Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn was able to introduce specialist homelessness services in the region. This year, they will be staging two satellite Sleepouts in Merimbula, and in Young. The funds raised by local leaders in these communities will be used to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in their region.  

Vinnies is calling on leaders to step up and support this year's Vinnies CEO Sleepout by registering and committing to raise at least $4000 or supporting someone taking part and help raise critical funds for Vinnies frontline services. 

Registrations are now open, to sign up or to nominate your boss, visit: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/register-lightbox 

 

Media contact: Nikita Nair email Nikita.nair@vinnies.org.au