As the continued impact of the housing and homelessness crisis is felt across the country, the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout is calling on leaders from across industries to come together to raise awareness and funds in support of homelessness.

Hundreds of business leaders across Australia, including influential leaders within the Greek community, will be swapping their beds for cardboard boxes across the country on June 20 as part of the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director Business Sydney, is currently one of the top CEO’s on the fundraising leaderboard, having raised almost $60,000 of his $70,000 target. Chris Christofi, CEO at Reventon, John Livanas, CEO at State Super SAS Trustee Corporation and Maria Lykouras, CEO, JBWere Australia are among other influential business leaders taking part this year.

This is the 19th year the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has taken place, with more than $91 million raised nationally to support the vital work performed by the St Vincent de Paul Society’s homelessness services.

As well as spending the longest and coldest night of the year sleeping outdoors, each CEO Sleepout participant commits to raising funds to help Vinnies provide essential services to the people who need them.

According to the latest census, more than 122,000 people are reported to be homeless, with NSW accounting the most of any state or territory. Recent data from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare shows there has been a significant increase in unassisted requests for assistance over the last three years in NSW.

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is a leading provider of frontline services, with more than 100 local services across the state. The Society supported more than 28,000 people through its homelessness and housing, health and community and inclusion services over the past year.

“The annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout is the largest fundraiser held by the St Vincent de Paul Society each year and plays an integral role in ensuring our services have the capacity to meet the growing need that exists in the community,” Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, said.

“No one should endure homelessness, everyone deserves a home. The impact the event is able to make extends well beyond the night as participants are challenged to use their connections and influence to make a difference in addressing homelessness.”

The 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will take place on Thursday, 20 June across Australia with NSW events in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. Donations can be made online at www.ceosleepout.org.au – all donations over $2 are tax deductible.