THE 2011 Vinnies CEO Sleepout continues to grow in popularity, with the number of participants rising to 58 this week.
Organised by the St Vincent de Paul Society, the CEO Sleepout gives business and community leaders a chance to raise money for charity and experience a night ‘sleeping rough’.
Last year’s event attracted 99 participants, with 150 expected to attend this year’s event at the WACA on June 16.
Benz Industries managing director Bob Bollen has so far raised the highest amount at $2,000, followed by Tan and Tan Lawyers director Raymond Tan, who has raised $602.
Mr Tan, who is providing pro bono legal support to the St Vincent de Paul Society as well as taking part in the sleepout for the second time, said while the event was an uncomfortable experience, what homeless people experienced each night was much worse.
“I can assure you it’s not a pleasant experience,” he said.
“But the difference between the real homeless person and the CEO sleeping out in the WACA is that the grounds are secure. We are getting the sanitised version of sleeping as a homeless person.”