Real estate executives are invited to register for the first-ever online Vinnies CEO Sleepout, joining hundreds of high-profile Australians to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
In response to COVID-19, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be live-streamed online at ceosleepout.org.au/live2020 in an interactive broadcast hosted by television personality Dr Andrew Rochford.
Instead of sleeping out in major cities across the country, business and community leaders will participate remotely from their cars, backyards, or couches.
“I’ve seen the difference that Vinnies’ homelessness services make first-hand, and the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is such an important fundraiser to make sure they can continue helping thousands of people every year,” Dr Rochford said.
Several real estate firms took part in the 2019 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, which all up raised $7.9 million for Vinnies’ homelessness services across Australia including accommodation, domestic violence refuges, food, clothing, blankets, counselling and healthcare, and individualised case support.
“It’s great to see Vinnies, and the business and community leaders who participate in the Sleepout, adapt to ensure this year’s event can go ahead in the midst of coronavirus,” Dr Rochford said.
“The onset of a global health crisis means people facing homelessness need that support more than ever.”
Of the 116,000 people experiencing homelessness across the country, around one in 14 people are ‘sleeping rough’, but many more are hidden from sight – couch surfing, sleeping in cars or even in tents – nonetheless unable to find a suitable and safe place to live and sleep.
This year, participants can also involve their partner and children, helping the whole family to learn more about the growing issue of homelessness in Australia.
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is open to all C-suite and executive-level professionals including small business and community leaders.
Unlike in previous years, in recognition of the financial impact of coronavirus, there is no minimum fundraising expectation for this year’s participants.
The 2020 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will take place overnight on 18 June, and registrations are currently open at ceosleepout.org.au.
