Chiefs rough it to do their bit

GEELONG leaders had a glimpse into the cold, harsh reality of homelessness in winter at the region’s first Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

More than 60 business owners and managers took part in the event at GMHBA Stadium last night, when temperatures were expected to drop as low as 4C.

Participants were given cardboard and a cup of soup before finding square of concrete to rest on between 6pm and 7am.

Before the event started, the group had raised $100,000 to help fight homelessness, with that figure expected to climb.

Bell Park Sports Club president Rose Pirrottina was the highest fundraiser, generating almost $15,000.

“It touched me when I found out the statistics of how many (homeless people) are children. It broke my heart and that’s what got me going,” Ms Pirrottina said.

“We are doing this to make a difference in someone else's life . . . I go home to a warm bed, I go home to a warm shower, I can do it for one night.”

St Vincent de Paul Society general manager of services and development Kate Johnson said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of participants and donors.

“This money will support our home visitation program. Our Vinnies volunteers across the state respond to calls for help by visiting people in their homes and providing welfare support to make sure that they can keep a roof over their head,” Ms Johnson said.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show homelessness has jumped by 11 per cent in Victoria in the past five years. To donate, or preregister for 2019, visit ceosleepout.org.au