As part of Vinnies fund raising for the homeless they have one night of the year when business executives and others sleep rough for one night to help change the lives of Australians in need. They experience a minor aspect of homelessness, raise awareness of the issue and help raise funds for Vinnies.
Vinnies reports that there are more than 105,000 Australians who find themselves homeless each night of the year and half of these are women; a quarter are under the age of 18.The event is a unique way for business leaders to actively combat the issue of homelessness by rising to the challenge and experiencing a small dose of what it is like to sleep rough for one night. The night is an experiential, no frills affair with CEOs given nothing more than a beanie, a sheet of cardboard, and a cup of soup.
The executives get busy on the phone raising money one such executive was reported in the Canberra times after his experience stating
“It’s amazing how many people get behind the cause of homelessness. People know it’s an issue in the community, it’s a big issue and people want to do something and make a difference.’
The money is still coming in, but as of 20th June Vinnies reported the following funds raised so far from each state:
- New South Wales with 298 executives sleeping out has raised $1.9M
- West Australia with 111 executives has raised $1.2M
- Queensland with 176 executives raised $770,000
- South Australia with 105 executives has raised $570,000
- Victoria with 148 executives has raised $420,000
- ACT with 95 executives has raised $380,000
- Northern Territory with 69 executives has raised $170,000
- Tasmania with 39 executives has raised $110,000
Well done to everyone involved!