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Vinnies CEO Sleepout raises over $850,000
More than 100 West Australian business and community leaders have raised a total of $850,603 for Vinnies homelessness services.
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout took place at Optus Stadium on Thursday night, with other events taking place simultaneously across Australia.
Throughout the night, participants learned about homelessness in Western Australia, the work Vinnies does, and the important role that business and the community can play in reducing homelessness.
With temperatures dipping to around 7 degrees, participants spent the night outdoors, equipped with only a sleeping bag, a pillow, and two pieces of cardboard to sleep on and make a shelter.
Vinnies CEO Susan Rooney, who joined participants in sleeping out, said the funds would go to Vinnies homelessness services.
They include Tom Fisher House, which provides temporary accommodation for adults, and two Passages Youth Engagement Hubs – one in Perth, the other in Mandurah - which provide services to young people. The Passages Hubs are delivered as a joint venture between Vinnies WA and the Rotary Club of Perth and Mandurah.
“We know too well the pressures in housing, the rental market, and the increased cost of living, all of which are making it incredibly tough for WA families,” Ms Rooney said.
“While many people will find ways to cut their spending to make ends meet, for those that are already vulnerable, the slide into homelessness can come suddenly - in the form of an increase in rent, the loss of a job or a family breakdown.
“The money raised as part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will help us support people experiencing homelessness, and get them access to the services they need to get back on track.”
Ms Rooney also said that business and community leaders had a unique platform to support people experiencing homelessness.
“The advocacy business and community leaders can do beyond this event, by speaking about the issue in their professional and personal lives, can have a lasting impact on the way we respond to the homelessness as a society,” she said.
Every year, Vinnies assists more than 55,000 Western Australians by providing emergency relief such as food, furniture, clothing as well as help with bills and rent. In addition to providing emergency relief and support, Vinnies runs a range of specialised services and programs in the areas housing and homelessness, mental health, migrants and refugees, youth services, financial counselling.
Contact
David Settelmaier
Media and Communications Coordinator, Vinnies WA
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