St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is calling on leaders from various industries to participate in its annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise awareness and funds to support those in need, as the housing crisis continues to impact communities across Australia.
Nearly 20 representatives from the banking and finance sectors in New South Wales will join hundreds of business leaders nationwide on June 20 for the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout. Participants will exchange their beds for cardboard boxes, symbolically spending the night outdoors to highlight the plight of the homeless.
Notable participants from the NSW finance industry include Michael Perkins, CEO of Mortgage Choice; Mark Williams (pictured above left), CEO of The Mutual Bank; Chris Williams (pictured above right), executive general manager of Commonwealth Bank; Anton Lovelle, vice president at Macquarie; and Maria Lykouras, CEO of JBWere Australia.
This year marks the 19th anniversary of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, according to a news release. Since its inception, the event has raised over $91 million nationally to support the St Vincent de Paul Society’s homelessness services.
In addition to braving the longest and coldest night of the year outdoors, each CEO commits to fundraising efforts aimed at bolstering Vinnies’ ability to provide essential services. These services include housing, health, and community support.
Recent census data revealed that over 122,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Australia, with New South Wales having the highest numbers. The Australian Institute for Health and Welfare data noted a significant rise in unassisted requests for help in NSW over the past three years.
According to the news release, the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW assisted more than 28,000 people last year through various programs.
Yolanda Saiz, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, emphasized the importance of the event. “The annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout is our largest fundraiser and plays an integral role in ensuring our services have the capacity to meet the growing need that exists in the community,” Saiz said. “No one should endure homelessness; everyone deserves a home. The impact the event is able to make extends well beyond the night as participants are challenged to use their connections and influence to make a difference in addressing homelessness.”
The 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will occur on June 20, with events in Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong. Donations can be made online at the CEO Sleepout website.
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