The state’s business leaders will spend the night outdoors at the WACA Ground on June 22, one of the longest and coldest nights of the year, in support of the 2017 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
The state’s business leaders will spend the night outdoors at the WACA Ground on June 22, one of the longest and coldest nights of the year, in support of the 2017 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
More than 100 CEOs have signed up for St Vincent de Paul Society WA’s eighth sleepout, which raises awareness and funds for the homeless.
With less than two weeks until the sleepout takes place across the country CEOs are stepping up their fundraising efforts.
At the time of writing seasoned campaigner Crown Resorts chief executive Barry Felstead was leading the local fundraising tally with $33,855, followed by Tan and Tan Lawyers director Raymond Tan with just over $16,400.
Both Mr Felstead and Mr Tan have taken part in the event since it started in WA in 2010, and have consistently ranked among the top fundraisers each year.
Rigters Supermarkets have already surpassed their team challenge target of $25,000, having raised $26,595.
And Red Emu Advisory executives are just over halfway in reaching their $20,000 team challenge goal.
Vinnies WA chief executive Susan Rooney said the organisation was asking people to sleep out for one night, so others didn’t have to do it for life.
“At this time of year, it’s important to remember the thousands of Western Australians who sleep rough each night,” Ms Rooney said.
“As a first time participant myself I am looking forward to meeting all the other CEOs and business leaders who have so generously given of their time to support this important event.”
Ms Rooney said on any given night in WA over 9,500 people were experiencing homelessness and alarmingly, 25 per cent were under the age of 18, and 44 per cent were women.
“One out of every eight Australians has experienced homelessness, and it can happen to anyone–a family member, a friend, a neighbour,” she said.
“Last financial year Vinnies provided 23,358 nights of safe sleep for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
“A further 2,408 young people were assisted through our youth support services, and 48,748 people who were at risk of homelessness, were assisted through our emergency relief program.”
Over $225,000 has been raised in WA so far, backed by more than 1,000 supporters.
Donations can be made via the Vinnies CEO sleepout website.