Vinnies CEO Sleepout raises a record $8.19 million

The 2021 Vinnies CEO Sleepout has achieved a record result with more than $8.19 million raised nationally in support of Vinnies’ homelessness services.

Taking place for the 16th year, the national total raised surpassed the previous record of $7.9 million.

$2.81 million of this total was raised in NSW.

Since the first event in 2006, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has helped to make a difference for people in need, raising more than $60 million.

The outpouring of generosity from business and community leaders has been incredibly heartening, especially given the demand for assistance for Vinnies services as a result of COVID.

The funds raised will enable Vinnies to provide crisis accommodation, food, clothing, healthcare, emotional support and long-term assistance for people experiencing homelessness.

Vinnies is also very pleased that NSW Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, announced $4.9 million in funding as part of next week’s State Budget to help develop two Vinnies sites into specialist accommodation for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

This will provide more opportunity for Vinnies to help women and children in the city’s southern and western suburbs.

“This is an investment and a testament to the work that Vinnies does,” Mr Perrottet said.

“I think it’s important for politicians to join these nights as well,” Mr Perrottet told the gathered CEOs at the event.

“Like all of you tonight, we’ve been very privileged and blessed to have heard the stories of many women who have – from the bottom of their heart – told us stories that would have been very difficult to tell,” the Treasurer said.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is about more than raising money. It’s an opportunity to draw attention to the struggles people are facing and calling on all levels of government to ensure everyone has a safe, secure and stable place to call home.

In NSW, over 450 community and business leaders braved the cold on Thursday night at sites in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. More than 1,500 participants took part in cities and regional centres across Australia.

The biggest fundraiser in NSW was Robert Kelly, Managing Director and CEO of Steadfast Group, raising more than $134,000.

People can continue donating to the 2021 Vinnies CEO Sleepout until 31 July.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones | 0417 446 430