What is the Vinnies CEO Sleepout?
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a one-night event held on one of the longest and coldest nights of the year. Hundreds of CEOs, business owners as well as community and government leaders sleep outdoors to support the many Australians who are experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness. Each CEO Sleepout participant commits to raising a minimum amount of funds to help Vinnies provide essential services to the people who need them. To find out your state's target, click here.
The first ever CEO Sleepout was hosted as a community event in Sydney’s Parramatta, initiated by Bernard Fehon, Managing Director of Tactical Solutions.
The St Vincent de Paul Society held events all around the nation, attracting over 700 CEOs and exceeding fundraising expectations.
By 2013, regional events were added in Wollongong and Newcastle resulting in additional participants to raise money to help end homelessness.
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout goes online due to COVID-19. CEOs participate from home by sleeping in their car, backyard or on their couch while raising vital funds.
1591 CEOs, Business & Community Leaders participated by sleeping out at one of the 13 events held across the country or via a livestream. Together they raised over $8.6M.
Your donation supports Australians experiencing homelessness
When you sponsor a CEO or team, you’re helping Vinnies provide much-needed support to people all around Australia. Your donation directly assists people experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness, by:
- funding new initiatives
- ensuring existing homeless services, like food vans and emergency support, continue
- expanding the reach of our existing programs to ensure every Australian can access accommodation, meals, and emergency assistance when they need it.
Vinnies is determined to help break the cycle of homelessness. With support services all over Australia, Vinnies understands that each community is different. That’s why Vinnies services vary between each state and territory.
About Vinnies
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a one night event that helps the St Vincent de Paul Society support Australians all year long. Vinnies advocacy, education, counselling and housing programs are designed to tackle the root causes of inequality. Learn more about how Vinnies aims to bring an end to poverty in Australia.
Read the real story
Discover real stories from people who have experienced homelessness and people who work tirelessly to help end it.*
*Names and images are changed to
protect these courageous people's privacy.
Catherine
Catherine has faced challenge after challenge in her life. As a single mother who escaped domestic violence, Catherine has raised three daughters on her own, and in recent years family illness and financial hardship have left Catherine struggling to get by.
Joe
Joe was experiencing homelessness and was a heavy user of methamphetamines. He wanted to turn his life around, and sought out Vinnies to assist him with accessing detox and rehabilitation programs for his drug addiction.
