Vinnies CEO Sleepout raises $8.7 million nationally and $2.8 million in NSW

The 2022 Vinnies CEO Sleepout has raised $8.7 million to provide vital assistance to the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and hardship across Australia.

In its 17th year, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has now raised in excess of $80 million since its beginnings in 2006.

Across New South Wales, leaders from business, politics and the community raised over $2.8 million at events held in Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, Jack de Groot, was delighted by the show of support for people experiencing disadvantage.

The money raised will ensure continued support for people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence through accommodation, food, healthcare, education, and other relief.

“So many people are feeling the pinch of the cost of living and the increasingly unaffordable housing market; events like the Vinnies CEO Sleepout are crucial to ensure the Society can continue meeting that need,” Mr de Groot said.

“Each year, the demand for our services continues to grow.

“While donations will help us alleviate that hardship in the short-term, it is the gathering of thought leaders we see here tonight who can use their influence to help provide change in the long-term.

“It is incredibly heartening to see the outpouring of generosity from participants and the community who have donated to this year’s event.”

“And it’s great to see the commitments made here tonight by the CEOs – and in previous years – in terms of advocacy and other ways they can help beyond participating tonight.

“The funds raised will make a transformative difference to people experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic and family violence, receiving treatment for addiction, struggling with household bills, and much more.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by everyone who took part and donated to this year’s event,” Mr de Groot said.

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State Council President, Paul Burton, emphasised that money raised at the event will benefit people across the state and the nation.

“The number of people seeking our help continues to grow as a result of increasing social and financial pressures, so the funds raised will allow us to give a hand up to those in need,” Mr Burton said.

“There are Vinnies services throughout NSW, so we can provide help where it is needed.

“They operate in Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong, and other places besides.

“Homelessness, housing affordability, housing scarcity, and domestic violence are faced by people from the coast to inland centres.

“We at the Society are grateful for the donations being made and they will be used to help people experiencing significant disadvantage throughout the state,” Mr Burton said.

Figures from the most recent 2016 Census show that on any given night, in excess of 116,000 people nationwide have no permanent home.

In NSW the number of people experiencing homelessness increased by 37% from 2011-2016 to a total of 37,715.

Donations for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout remain open until 31 July and participants looking to take part in the 2023 Vinnies CEO Sleepout are able to pre-register at www.ceosleepout.org.au.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones | 0417 446 430