Paul Gallen Pledges His Support For Vinnies CEO Sleepout

NRL legend Paul Gallen will take part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday 18 June to raise essential funds for Vinnies’ homelessness services.

Pledging his support as part of The Greater Give team alongside Luke Edmonds from Connection 2 Sports, and Brent Maksimovich from Maksim Potential, Paul will join business and community leaders across Australia in sleeping out in cars, couches and backyards as part of a national live-stream hosted by television personality Dr. Andrew Rochford.

“Throughout my career I’ve been heavily involved with community work, so when I heard about the Vinnies CEO Sleepout I jumped at the opportunity to support people doing it tough,” said Paul.

“With the current COVID-19 situation there are a lot of people and families who are struggling to get by, and many more facing the prospect of falling into homelessness.

“Vinnies does great work in the community assisting people who fall on hard times and helping them to get back on their feet.”

Since 2006, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has raised close to $60 million nationally for Vinnies’ homelessness services, which include accommodation; domestic violence refuges; food, clothing, blankets and sleeping bags; counselling and healthcare; and individualised support to address barriers such as debt and unemployment, then ultimately find a permanent and safe home.

According to the latest census more than 116,000 people across Australia experience homelessness, with 1-in-14 ‘sleeping rough’ and many more going to bed each night without a safe and secure place to sleep.

“We’re delighted to have Paul on board for the 15th anniversary of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, and grateful for his support in raising funds for our homelessness services,” said Jack de Groot, Vinnies NSW CEO.

To support Paul, visit: www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/paulgallen/sydney

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout takes place across Australia on Thursday 18 June. You can live-stream the event from 7.30-9.30pm at www.ceosleepout.org.au

Paul Gallen retired at the end of the 2019 NRL season following 348 appearances between 2001-2020 for the Cronulla Sharks. He played 24 matches for New South Wales, 32 tests for Australia and led the Cronulla Sharks to their first premiership in 2016.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones | 0417 446 430