Vinnies CEO Sleepout more important than ever amid cost of living crisis

The soaring cost of living and lack of affordable housing is driving a growing number of people to seek assistance from the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW in their time of need.

Funds raised from the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout, taking place on 22 June, will enable the Society to meet growing demand and raise awareness throughout the community.

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is our largest fundraiser each year and plays a vital role in ensuring we can support people facing hardship with immediate intervention and assistance over the long-term,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

“Historically, the people who have sought assistance from our services have faced more acute and visible forms of hardship and homelessness, however in recent months the increasing demand for assistance from people in stable work has been quite alarming.

“In Australia, the phenomenon of ‘working poor’ has traditionally been viewed as an American concept but we are seeing that alarming trend creep closer to home.

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is only one night of mild discomfort for participants, but it can make a dramatic impact to thousands of lives through the funds raised that allow our services to provide accommodation, food, health care, case management and assistance tailored to individual needs,” said Ms Saiz.

“Demand for our support services and food vans has been growing over the past year due to the rising cost of living,” said Paul Burton, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President.

“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in people accessing our food vans across the state with around 600 meals served daily, while the lack of social and affordable housing options means that it is taking much longer for our staff to help people gain secure housing.

“The funds raised through the Vinnies CEO Sleepout play a vital role in enabling the Society to meet the demand that exists throughout the community.

“I encourage everyone to give generously to ensure that we can continue to restore hope to those doing it tough,” said Mr Burton.

More than $1.2 million has been raised so far in NSW with Paul Nicolau, Business Sydney Executive Director, the leading Vinnies CEO Sleepout fundraiser. Chris Minns will attend his third Vinnies CEO Sleepout and become the first sitting NSW Premier to participate in the event.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is taking place on Thursday 22 June across Australia with NSW events occurring in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. Donate to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout today at: www.ceosleepout.org.au.