Sydney CEOs sleep on cold hard ground for charity
Image: The winning bidder for an $8000 blue jumpsuit designed to keep out the cold was Ralph Norris, head of CBA. Photo: Andrew Handosa Photography
The head honchos of some of Australia’s largest businesses lined up for soup and bread rolls, before sleeping under the stars in the name of charity last Thursday night.
With a sleeping bag and two sheets of cardboard each, they slept out in Luna Park overnight to raise money for Australia’s homeless.
Amongst the 260 Sydney high-fliers sleeping rough were CEO of the Commonwealth Bank, Ralph Norris, CEO of Virgin Airlines, John Borghetti and opposition leader Tony Abbott.
The St Vincent de Paul CEO Sleepout raised $3.8 million across Australia and 1001 CEOs took part nationally, said Vinnies.
The funds raised will go to services for some of the one hundred thousand Australians that sleep homeless every night.
St Vincent de Paul CEO, Graham West said on the night: “Government can only do so much. This is a community problem. All of the community has to work together. Business, not for profits have to work with government to make this happen, you have to work with the homeless sector“.
Nearly a third of homeless are children, and nearly half are women. Many also sleep in cars or couch surf rather than camp on the street.
Constance, a young woman who became homeless after fleeing from domestic violence, was one of the Vinnies clients who addressed sleepout participants. She now helps others who are homeless, including young children, for whom she urged action.
“Those kids, they don’t have time. They are out there being abused and neglected, they are turning to drugs and alcohol to escape a life that they feel like they have no control over.”
She said more services were needed to break the generational cycle of homeless and substance abuse and the need for more accommodation.
“It’s not about a free ticket. Being on centrelink and adolescent is just setting them up for a life of being disabled”, said Constance.
After listening to stories from other previously homeless people, groups of CEOs brainstormed ideas to help beyond just the one night event.
Following the serious side of the night, two warm jumpsuits were auctioned for $8000 and $9000 respectively, with one going to Norris. He also won a pillow for raising the highest amount.
“Certainly I am going to wake up tomorrow with a few areas that are somewhat tender” said Norris.
“I’m looking forward to a good night sleep tomorrow night”.
