[dropcap]S[/dropcap]t Vincent de Paul Society’s Wollongong Diocesan Central Council is calling on business leaders from Macarthur to Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands to spend a winter night outdoors to help raise more than $100,000 to fund frontline homelessness services.
CEOs and senior executives will come together at St Mary Star of the Sea college for the annual Wollongong Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday, June 21, taking a stand against homelessness across the region by foregoing one night of comfort to help make a real difference to our community.
As well as raising money for crucial St Vincent de Paul Society services and programs providing food, accommodation and support to people experiencing homelessness, the initiative is a chance for CEOs across all industries to gain a better understanding of the issue.
Before their night in the cold, they will hear first-hand from people who’ve experienced real disadvantage and learn more about the valuable grassroots assistance Vinnies offers.
Vinnies’ Wollongong Diocesan Central Council executive officer Peter Quarmby says corporate Australia can play an important role in supporting services and programs and lending their influence to the discussion around addressing homelessness.
“Housing costs constantly lead the Australian media headlines, and unfortunately, most of the focus is on home ownership rather than renting,’’ he said.
“From the work we do at Vinnies, we know that people trying to get into the rental market or who can’t afford to stay in their rental properties are the ones most at risk of homelessness,” he said.
“This year, we are putting the spotlight back on those who are locked out of the rental market, and focusing on educating and supporting business leaders so they can best assist those experiencing disadvantage and homelessness.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“After all, a home is a right not a privilege,” Mr Quarmby said.[/social_quote]
Ambassador and long time supporter of the Wollongong CEO Sleepout, Aster Group CEO Danny Munk, has already raised almost $2,500 for this year’s event, and sees his participation as a way to help raise awareness of the impact of homelessness.
“Being part of this event has helped myself, along with those that support my participation through sponsorship, understand the shocking reality faced by more than 100,000 people every night who have nowhere to call home,’’ says Mr Munk.
“As an organisation, Aster Group is committed to reaching and supporting projects that benefit our surrounding community.
“I’m proud to be part of an initiative that provides tangible on-ground support to those who need it most, and to join the thousands of CEOs around the country who have to-date raised around $40 million in support of the practical work that Vinnies does,” he said.
Business leaders from across Macarthur, the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands are encouraged to register for the Wollongong event or donate to the Wollongong Vinnies CEO Sleepout by visiting www.ceosleepout.org.au
