More than 300 business, community and government leaders across Brisbane and the Gold Coast have raised more than $1.26 million at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout® events on the 20th of June. Nationally, the event has again set records – surpassing the previous $6.3 million of 2018 and today sitting close to $7.1 million with more to come.
At the Brisbane Powerhouse more than 150 participants raised a staggering $911,351 for Vinnies homelessness programs and services, helping Vinnies to provide affordable housing options for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. At Robina’s Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast leaders raised an impressive $357,327 with 200 plus sleeping out and a record number of young leaders joining the event, in its fourth year. ERM Power CEO Jon Stretch was recognised as Queensland’s top fundraiser, raising a staggering total of $106,297.
Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer said funds raised by the Vinnies CEO Sleepout events, run for the past 10 years in Queensland, make a tangible difference by providing direct support to those struggling with homelessness in Queensland with vital resources, facilities and programs. “This year’s event raised much-needed funds to help us provide a hand up to people in crisis, and help break the cycle of poverty and homelessness,” he said. Mercer continues on last years efforts, “Last year we were able to purchase unit in Maroochydore and townhouses in Brisbane to increase our ability to respond to people who were homeless, and we are currently planning to establish units on the Gold Coast for women over 50” … “We couldn’t do this without the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.”
Vinnies Community Sleepout events will be held in Toowoomba on 20 July, on the Sunshine Coast on 8 August, and in Cairns on 17 August. Vinnies provides safe, secure and affordable accommodation as well as advocacy support, budgeting services, living skills programs, emergency relief, transitional housing and access to programs that help rebuild lives.
Readers also enjoyed the Absolutely Everybody Brisbane Choir, where the disadvantaged entertain at the 10th Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
