Vinnies CEO Sleepout at Optus Stadium raises over $780,000

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 8 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, an intensive intervention service 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.

“People are finding it incredibly hard to keep food on the table and a roof over their head, so a lot more people are on the edge of homelessness,” Ms Rooney said.

“The slide into homelessness can come suddenly - in the form of an increase in rent, the loss of a job or a family breakdown. Homelessness is an issue not just for those experiencing it – it’s an issue that concerns all of us.

“The funds raised by Vinnies CEO Sleepout participants 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 can have a lasting impact on the way we respond to the homelessness as a society,” she said.

 

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