Vinnies CEO Sleepout raises $7.7 nationally, $2.5 million in NSW

The 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout has raised over $7.7 million nationally to support the vital work of the St Vincent de Paul Society in assisting people experiencing and at risk of homelessness.

Business and community leaders in New South Wales raised $2.5 million at events in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout began in 2006 to raise awareness and funds in support of homelessness; close to $100 million has been raised nationally over the lifetime of the event.

“I would like to thank all our participants, donors and supporters who have played a role in allowing us to achieve an outstanding result with our 19th Vinnies CEO Sleepout,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

“Our services are seeing surging levels of demand, including many people who have never needed support previously, and this result will ensure that we can meet this need now and going forward.

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is only one night for the participants who brave the cold, but it has the ability to make a lasting impact for the people we assist every day in communities throughout the state,” said Ms Saiz.

Funds raised through the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will enable the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW to assist people through a range of services including crisis accommodation, domestic and family violence refuges, specialist healthcare, case management, support to secure and maintain tenancies, and Vinnies Vans.

Robert Kelly, Steadfast Group Managing Director and CEO, raised $156,000 to finish as the highest national fundraiser.

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is an iconic event on the fundraising calendar and has grown to become the largest fundraiser for the Society each year,” said Ms Saiz.

“It is heartwarming to see such an outpouring of generosity to support our services given ongoing cost of living pressures over recent years.

“The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is committed to shaping a more just and compassionate society for all – this aspiration is made possible through events like the Vinnies CEO Sleepout,” said Ms Saiz.

More than 122,000 people in Australia are currently homeless according to the most recent Census. NSW accounts for the highest number of homeless people of any state, increasing by 27% over the past decade to a total of 35,000.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025 with pre-registrations now open. Donations for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout remain open until 31 July – all donations over $2 are tax deductible – at www.ceosleepout.org.au.