QUEENSLAND LEADERS URGED TO TAKE ON THE CEO SLEEPOUT CHALLENGE
With homelessness rates in Queensland increasing by more than 20 per cent in the last five years, Vinnies Queensland is urging our community and business leaders to spend a night in the winter air to raise vital funds for homelessness support.
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is returning on June 22 for 2023, with Vinnies aiming to beat last year’s record event which raised more than $2m for homelessness support.
Sleepouts will again be held in Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, as well as community sleepouts throughout regional Queensland.
CEO Kevin Mercer said with a greater need for housing than ever, this year’s sleepout will be vital to providing homes for Queensland’s homeless.
“We can’t escape the fact we are facing one of the worst affordable and social housing shortages in our state’s history,” Mr Mercer said.
“Our team have been working hard to provide Queenslanders with shelter, food, clothing and other essentials but what we really need is more housing options to provide long-term security and safety,”
“So this year, the funds will go towards what we need most – to build new homes for those in need.”
Mr Mercer said funds raised from the 2023 Sleepout on Brisbane and the Gold Coast will go towards it’s 500 Homes in 5 Years project, the charity’s biggest housing project in its 129-year history.
“By spending a night sleeping rough, you can directly contribute to helping a Queensland family access a place to call home – not just for a night, but for the long term,” Mr Mercer said.
“On the Sunshine Coast and at our regional community sleepouts, funds raised will continue to go to supporting those experiencing homelessness to find shelter as well as supply them with essentials like food, clothing, bedding and hygiene items.
“The CEO Sleepout isn’t just about raising funds, it’s also a chance to learn more about the realities of homelessness, what we’re seeing in our own communities and what we can do together to help.”
Locations for the major CEO Sleepout events on June 22 2023 will include:
- Brisbane – Brisbane Riverstage, Brisbane
- Gold Coast – CBUS Super Stadium, Robina
- Sunshine Coast – Maroochy Surf Club, Maroochydore
Participants in other regions can join their community events or sleep out at their own home in support.
For more information, or to register for the 2023 Sleepout, visit www.ceosleepout.org.au.
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