Vinnies CEO Sleepout Marks 20 Years of Driving Action against Homelessness

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout returns this Thursday, marking 20 years of uniting business and community leaders in a powerful stand against homelessness. The event raises critical funds to support the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s ongoing work with those experiencing homelessness. 

First held in 2006 by Western Sydney businessman Bernie Fehon as an alternative to formal fundraising galas, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has grown into a national event over the past two decades, raising over $100 million to support people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. 

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout has changed thousands of lives over the past two decades and continues to make a difference in how the community understands homelessness,” said Bernie Fehon, Vinnies CEO Sleepout Founder. 

“By taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, we hope to give leaders an insight into the challenges people face when they are confronted with homelessness and challenge them to use their positions of influence to advocate for change,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.  

This year the event is aiming to raise $3 million in NSW. The funds raised will provide a range of assistance, including crisis accommodation, domestic and family violence refuges, GPs for people with complex needs, alcohol and other drug facilities, social housing, case management, and mobile outreach via Vinnies Vans.  

More than 22,100 people have been supported over the past five years across the Society’s homelessness and housing services, including 6,420 people in the last 12 months. Domestic and family violence has consistently been the main reason people have sought assistance from these services, followed by housing pressures such as evictions and rent increases. 

“Our services are seeing high levels of people seeking assistance, with housing pressures among the leading reasons for support. The support our services offer is tailored to assist with early intervention and prevention, responding in times of crisis, along with giving people the stability to rebuild their lives,” said Ms Saiz. 

Leading NSW fundraisers include Paul Nicolaou (Business Sydney), Mark Bruzzone (Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure), Grant Steward (Consep), Tom Brady (Brefni) and John Carfi (Ingenia Communities). 

The 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will take place across Australia on Thursday 19 June*. Donations can be made online at www.ceosleepout.org.au – all donations over $2 are tax deductible.  

*The Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held in Perth on 26 June.