Vinnies CEO Sleepout Champions

Vinnies CEO Sleepout champions getting ready to lead the way out of homelessness.

Business, Community and Government leaders across the Canberra/Goulburn Archdiocese are warming up for the challenge as the temperature drops. More than 130 leaders will give up the comforts of home for one night to provide hope and help to those experiencing disadvantage in our community.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout hosted by the National Portrait Gallery on 23 June 2022, is a key fundraising event raising critical funds to assist people at the risk of or experiencing homelessness in our community.

“This year we are aiming to raise $800,000 to support the delivery of our services in ACT and surrounding regions from Goulburn down to Tumut, from Lake Cargelligo to Merimbula, and from Temora across to Batemans Bay.” said Phillip Jones, Director Fundraising, Marketing and Communications of the St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn.

“Homelessness and associated risks are a complex issue, and our community has been impacted with a range of challenges including housing affordability, cost of living pressures, the pandemic, and more. We’ve seen an increase in demand for our services and the need to reach this target has never been greater.”, said Mr. Jones

Also, each year, a group of committed participants are selected to be ambassadors of the CEO Sleepout to highlight their continuing support and commitment to the cause.

Here are some reflections from our 2022 Vinnies CEO Sleepout champions, some of whom have participated for over a decade.

Antonia Marzulli, Chief Executive Officer, Synergy Group: “Domestic and family violence is the number one reason why women and children seek support for homeless services. Experiencing the challenges of homelessness can both trigger and exacerbate mental illness. Knowing that I can perform a small effort to support those experiencing homelessness inspires me to participate in this great cause.”

Christine Shaw, Director, Christine Shaw Properties: “A significant part of the CEO Sleepout is hearing first-hand stories from people who have experienced homelessness, the stories make a permanent education mark on your souls.”

Mirko Milic, Dealer Principal, Canberra Toyota: “Invisible homelessness is one of Canberra’s biggest problems. You might see the odd person sleeping on a bench, but most couch surf, sleep in their cars or rely on short-term accommodation in shelters when escaping a domestic violence situation. These are the people we need to be helping.”

Neville Tomkins – Chief Commissioner, Scouts Australia (NSW Branch): "Every dollar that our CEOs raise goes to the most vulnerable in our community and I have seen it with my own eyes, I have seen the wonderful work of the Night Patrol and emergency relief services.”

Richard Faulks, Managing Director, Snedden Hall & Gallop: “There are almost 1600 homeless people in the ACT and even a greater number of 38,000 living below the poverty line and if I can just do one little thing to help Vinnies help those people that’s what motivates me.”

Sehida Frawley, Chief Operating Officer, Cloud Success Services SAP APJ: “One night of being uncomfortable is nothing compared to changing someone’s life.”

“Please support our participants in their fundraising efforts. The funds raised goes to our frontline services, who provide assistance 365 days a year to those who are doing it tough.”, said Mr. Jones.

To donate visit www.ceosleepout.org.au

For more information contact Nikita Nair nikita.nair@vinnies.org.au or 0410 359 420