Vinnies CEO Sleepout is back in 2022

Business and community leaders brave the cold and lead the way out of homelessness

St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn launched the 2022 CEO Sleepout today, Wednesday 27 April at the National Portrait Gallery, with business and community leaders participating in attendance.

Michelle Colefax, Acting CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, said, “Homelessness and associated risks are a complex issue, and in the past our community has been impacted with a range of challenges including housing affordability, natural disasters, the pandemic, and more. We’ve seen an increase in demand for our services and the need for funds to be raised through the Sleepout has never been greater.”

This year, Vinnies aims to raise $800,000 to support the delivery of their services across Canberra/Goulburn and surrounding regions that help break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Comprehending the significance of the impact women leaders can have on these issues, this year, Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn is also encouraging women leaders to come forward and lead the way out of homelessness.

“The 2022 Vinnies CEO sleepout will be a hybrid in-person and online event. We will have participants attending the event virtually from across the Canberra/ Goulburn Archdiocese. They will join the live-stream and sleep out in their cars, backyards or on their couches. All these places reflect the reality of people experiencing homelessness,” said Ms. Colefax.

Over a hundred CEOs and business owners, as well as community and government leaders, will sleep outdoors or in their cars at The National Portrait Gallery on 23^rd of June 2022 to raise funds and gain a small glimpse into the daily reality of tens of thousands of Australians who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness every day.

On the evening, the participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about the issues and meet with the range of services Vinnies delivers to support those at risk or living with homelessness themselves.

To register or to donate visit www.ceosleepout.org.au 

Interviews are available with:

Michelle Colefax – Acting CEO, St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn 

CEO Sleepout 2022 Champions

Antonia Marzulli, Chief Executive Officer, Synergy Group

Christine Shaw, Director, Christine Shaw Properties

Mirko Milic, Dealer Principal, Canberra Toyota

Neville Tomkins – Chief Commissioner, Scouts Australia (NSW Branch) 

Richard Faulks, Managing Director, Snedden Hall & Gallop

Sehida Frawley, Chief Operating Officer, Cloud Success Services SAP APJ

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