CEOs sleep rough

By Lawrence Bull

One-hundred-and-seventy-nine Sydney CEOs slept rough last week to fundraise for the homeless.

Nearly $1 million was raised by the leaders of business, government and not-for-profit organisations.

The Vinnies 2010 CEO Sleepout took place in capital cities around Australia, with nearly 700 CEOs raising over $2.7 million.

Sydney’s event, held at Luna Park, saw people who had experienced homelessness tell stories of displacement, abuse and determination to an influential audience.

Merchandise stalls touted pricetags of $2000 for pajamas, $500 for an orange beanie, and $50 purchasing earplugs after midnight.

CEO of SummitCare aged care services and mother of four Cynthia Payne had a meeting at 8:30 the next morning and didn’t expect much sleep.

“I can’t say it’s tough, because even if it gets colder – it is only one night. When you consider the families that do that every night… and tonight’s mild – I think we’ve gotten off easy,” she said.

Ms Payne raised $6600 with the help of her employees, suppliers, colleagues and family.

“Some donations have been quite substantial in their own right, and it’s all because people said: ‘it’s for the right cause’.”

Managing Director of Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure and father of four, Mick Boyle was on his fourth annual Sleepout, this time raising over $9000.

“You do realise how comfortable a modern home is when you sleep the night out and it makes you feel a little bit lucky to have it,” he said over a dinner of canned soup.

“There’s quite a few people in Australia who aren’t as lucky, and it’s such a rich country – that’s not really the way it should be.

After a porridge breakfast early the next morning, Mr Boyle said the experience was worthwhile.

“I think the thing that probably stood out on reflection are the stories from the people who had gone through a situation, ended up homeless and, with a bit of help and a lot of determination, got their lives back on track.

“I think they’re pretty inspirational stories, and pretty brave for people to get up and tell them,” he said

Federal Housing Minister and Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek says it is important that the three tiers of government play a role in ending homelessness, but it is up to the community as a whole.

“Businesses have to think about what they can contribute financially through fundraising efforts, but also what they can do day-to-day, for example: employing someone who’s been homeless,” she said.

Sydney’s top fundraiser, investment advice company leader Carly Crutchfield, raised over $44,000, winning a pillow for the night.

The St Vincent de Paul Society has 35 homeless services in New South Wales, including hostels, women’s refuges, night patrol and family services.

They provide crisis accommodation for more than a thousand people every night.

There are roughly 105,000 homeless people Australia-wide.