Bosses brave winter chill to give some warmth to homeless
GEELONG leaders are preparing for a cold night under the stars to help raise funds for the homeless and those living below the poverty line.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is now calling for more business, community and political leaders to take part in its annual CEO Sleepout fundraiser — to be held at GMHBA Stadium on June 28.
Geelong Advertiser general manager Wayne Buttner will sleep out for the fundraiser, and plans to challenge local leaders taking sunny holidays during winter to at least reach into their pockets for the cause.
“One night in the cold won’t even come close to giving any of us the experience of being homeless, but hopefully it will raise enough money to make life a little bit easier for the thousands that are homeless,” Mr Buttner said.
“It would be great to see many more of Geelong’s CEOs, or anyone else, joining the cause.
“And for those CEOs who are lucky enough to be heading off to avoid the winter, the least they can do is donate.”
Barwon Water chairwoman Jo Plummer said she would be taking part in the fundraiser to help raise awareness for “a problem that is unfortunately continuing to grow”.
“It is now common to see people sleeping rough on street corners, in bus shelters and in parks, right in the middle of Geelong,” Ms Plummer said.
Last financial year Vinnies volunteers visited more than 300,000 Victorians in their homes, providing about $15 million in direct material aid to those who were unable to afford basics.
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show homelessness has jumped by 11 per cent in Victoria in the past five years.
For more information on the CEO Sleepout, or to register, visit www.ceosleepout.org.au