Don’t sleep on it
Vinnies seeks 100 business leaders for no-frills night
GEELONG’S growing need for welfare support has driven St Vincent de Paul to hold its first regional executive sleepout at Kardinia Park.
Organisers hope more than 100 business leaders will sign up to the June 28 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, which is expected to raise $200,000 for vital welfare services.
Vinnies has seen a 68 per cent increase in calls for welfare assistance in Geelong over the past three years, with 2200 people assisting the volunteerled service.
Statewide, more than 72,000 people experience poverty while latest ABS data shows an 11 per cent increase in homelessness in Victoria since the previous census.
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive Michael Brown said spending one night in relative discomfort at the stadium was a small sacrifice for leaders who cared deeply about their local community.
“We’re promising a no-frills night at GMHBA Stadium and participants will be comforted only by a piece of cardboard to sleep on and a cup of soup for dinner — but we hope it will provide a momentary glimpse into the hardship experienced by people in the greater Geelong district who are struggling to make ends meet,” Mr Brown said.
“Me sleeping outside is a token gesture — but the real difference I can make, and other business leaders can make, is to raise awareness and raise a financial contribution.
“I am calling all leaders who have ever come to Kardinia Park as a guest or watched the footy — now’s your time to make a contribution.”
St Vincent de Paul chief executive Sue Cattermole said the time was now to encourage sustained action, solidarity and compassion for people experiencing hardship in the greater Geelong district.
“Now, more than ever, we need your support. Vinnies Victoria has experienced an average 40 per cent rise in demand for welfare support over the past three years and in the greater Geelong district, the rise is as high as 68 per cent,” Ms Cattermole said.
“Our charity only receives 1.1 per cent government funding, so we rely heavily on generous donations.”
To become involved in the event, visit ceosleepout.org.au.