Latest news with #VinniesCEOSleepout
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Vinnies CEO Sleepout marks 20 years with $8.3 million raised to tackle rising homelessness across Australia
Business and community leaders across the country have braved a cold night out in support of Australians experiencing homelessness, as the Vinnies CEO Sleepout marks its 20th year with more than $8.3 million raised nationally. In New South Wales alone, the initiative brought in $2.5 million, which will go directly to support a wide range of homelessness and housing programs run by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. Leading the fundraising charge in NSW was Grant Steward, Managing Director and Founder of Consep, who personally raised an impressive $205,000 - the highest contribution in the state. The funds will help deliver critical frontline services including crisis accommodation, domestic and family violence refuges, alcohol and drug support, GPs for those with complex health needs, and mobile outreach through the well-known Vinnies Vans. 'This is a wonderful result for the 20th anniversary of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and shows the generosity of support that has been built in the name of addressing homelessness,' said Yolanda Saiz, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. First launched in 2006, the annual event has grown into a national movement, raising more than $100 million over two decades. This year, over 1,500 CEOs, executives, and community leaders registered to sleep out under the stars to better understand the challenges faced by those without a secure home. 'Participants are able to gain a greater understanding of how homelessness impacts individuals and communities, as well as how they can use their positions of influence to bring about a more just and compassionate society,' Ms Saiz said. 'The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is only one night of discomfort for the people who take part - our hope is that they are motivated to bring about change and support the work that Vinnies does every day.' Over the past five years, more than 22,100 people have accessed housing and homelessness support through the Society's NSW services - including 6,420 people in the past year alone. Domestic and family violence continues to be the leading reason people seek help, closely followed by housing insecurity caused by rent hikes and evictions. According to the latest Census data, more than 122,000 Australians are currently experiencing homelessness, with New South Wales accounting for the highest numbers - 35,000 people - and a 27 per cent increase over the past decade. 'The funds raised through the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will make an immense impact for the people we assist through our services across the state,' said Peter Houweling, State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. 'Our services are meeting with people in times of need every day, so having the support of business and community leaders will ensure we can meet their needs right now and into the future. "It is heartening to see such a generous outpouring of support over so many years which has allowed the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW to help transform lives for the better.' Donations to the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout remain open until July 31. Sky News Australia has been a national partner of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout since 2011.
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Business leaders to participate in Vinnies CEO Sleepout amid cost-of-living crisis
Pfizer Australia's Managing Director Anne Harris discusses the Vinnies CEO Sleepout fundraiser for homelessness in Australia.' It's my fourth year actually … homelessness is a critical issue with rising costs of housing, rising costs-of-living,' Ms Harris told Sky News host Ross Greenwood. 'Now is the time to continue to raise awareness, raise funds. 'Many, many people experience this day after day, year after year, it's one thing that I think business leaders can do to help.'
