CEOs raise $500k in Sleepout

Sixty-three Perth business leaders slept rough last night for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, raising about $513,000 to go towards alleviating homelessness.

Crown Resorts chief executive Barry Felstead was once again the top fundraiser; he has already raised $122,000 and has some extra time to get closer to his target of $150,000.

Despite moving interstate a few years ago when he became chief executive of Crown Resorts’ Perth and Melbourne operations, Mr Felstead has returned to the WACA Ground each year to raise money for St Vincent de Paul Society WA Inc.

BallPoint Construction Group managing director Shane Ball exceeded his $30,000 goal, reaching about $34,000, while Benz Insulation Services WA managing director Bob Bollen achieved the third highest result, raising just less than $34,000.

Like Mr Felstead, Messrs Ball and Bollen have also backed the event since its inception nine years ago, along with Tan and Tan Lawyers director Raymond Tan, who ranked fourth this year with about $33,000.

Ranked fifth was Celsius Property managing director Richard Pappas, who raised about $22,500, just short of his $25,000 target.

Cash Converters International was one of several companies that entered a team in the sleepout, with chief executive Mark Reid, chief risk officer Nathan Carbone, and chief financial officer Martyn Jenkins taking part and the company matching the amount they raised. 

"We’re building a culture of social responsibility and supporting those in need, we believe in giving back and recognise the importance of our local community," Mr Reid said.

"With this in mind, Cash Converters has committed to matching, dollar-for-dollar, any amount Martyn, Nathan and I raise. We’re proud to be an ongoing supporter of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and look forward to participating in 2019 and beyond.”

Mr Reid said one in three Australians would not have access to $500 of disposable income in the event of an emergency, so it was easy to see how quickly financial pressure and even homelessness could occur.

Perth ranked sixth out of 11 locations across Australia raising money as part of the sleepout. Sydney led with $1.7 million.