RRT assists Vinnies CEO Sleepout events across Australia to combat homelessness
Another year on, and RRT volunteers collaborated with St Vincent de Paul Society to support CEO Sleepout events across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide to raise funds and spread awareness on the vital topic of homelessness in Australia.
Business leaders swapped their warm beds for a cold winter’s night to raise funds and awareness for those who sleep under difficult conditions across Australia. Gifting their time to actively combat the issue of homelessness, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout events are a unique way to bring more awareness to this societal issue, and to challenge business leaders to see what its like to sleep rough for a night.
In 2021, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout events raised $9.3 million dollars to help break the cycle of homelessness and poverty in Australia. This year they have raised $8,999,008 so far, with a goal of $9,104,000.
Although this is a night with distinct experiences and a first for many, its ultimately a no frills affair. CEOs are given nothing more than a beanie, a sheet of cardboard and a cup of soup. They have the sole responsibility of finding a place to bed down for the night in chilled winter conditions, and in an environment exposing them to the elements. RRT showed support through serving breakfast and barista made coffee to all CEO’s who participated in the night.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released the Census data on homelessness in 2016, updated in December of 2021. It states that on any given night there are more than 116,000 Australians who are experiencing homelessness.
As the days shorten and nights are extended as we lead up to the peak of winter, thousands of people continue to sleep in distressing conditions in Australia. The livelihoods of many are overwhelmed with hardship, and RRT is humbled to help bridge the gap for people in need through this worthy cause.