One week to go - Vinnies CEO Sleepout names hosts and is on track to reach its fundraising goal

Vinnies CEO Sleepout takes place on the night of Thursday 17 June 2021 at:

• Sydney: White Bay Cruise Terminal
• Newcastle: McDonald Jones Stadium
• Wollongong: University of Wollongong Innovation Campus

2GB radio presenter, Deborah Knight, will MC the 2021 Vinnies CEO Sleepout from White Bay Cruise Terminal in Sydney and Nine Presenter Jane de Graaff will be the online livestream host.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a combination of live events in Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong, as well as a virtual event for people sleeping in their backyards, cars, or couches throughout the state.

It is happening on Thursday the 17th of June and is Vinnies’ biggest fundraising event of the year to support people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence.

With a week to go, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is on track to reach its fundraising goal of just over $8 million dollars nationally.

So far this year, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has raised more than $4.7 million that will help Vinnies Members and services provide support to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

“This is not my first time supporting this fantastic event,” Ms Knight said.

“It’s really important to recognise that things like homelessness and poverty can happen to almost anyone and it’s not the fault of people who experience them.

“Job loss – like all of those that vanished due to the pandemic, significant long-term illnesses, natural disasters, and so many other reasons can plunge people, suddenly, into disadvantage.

“For women and children in Australia, sadly, domestic violence is one of the strongest drivers towards homelessness.

“I’m proud to support Vinnies because it helps people when they need it most,” Ms Knight said.

“The great thing about Vinnies is that it supports people who need help at the same time as campaigning to put an end to the causes of disadvantage,” Ms de Graaff said.

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is not just a fundraising event to support people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence.

“It is also a campaign rallying point to remind all of us of the pervasiveness of these problems in our communities and what we can do to prevent them.

“For the participants, it’s an opportunity to learn what they can do outside of the event to help.

“As livestream host, I’m very happy to be connecting our participants and supporters across the state and sharing these important messages,” Ms de Graaff said.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones | 0417 446 430