Vinnies CEO Sleepout raises record $2.5m for homelessness support

On Thursday 19 June, hundreds of Queensland’s business and community leaders traded their comfy and warm beds for cardboard on cold concrete or sand for the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

2025 was a record year for the Sleepout – the biggest fundraising event in our annual calendar – raising more than $2.5m for homelessness and housing support across Queensland!

All three Sleepout sites, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, broke their fundraising records.

It was a very special year for all regions – Brisbane saw the event come to the Gabba Stadium for the first time, as the Gold Coast team celebrated their 10^th CEO Sleepout and the Sunshine Coast team celebrated a record fundraising total of more than $170,000, more than doubling last year’s event!

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is an important event for our Society – not just because of the funds raised that go to homelessness support, but it’s also our chance to engage and educate our community leaders about the issue,” CEO Kevin Mercer said.

“Hundreds of leaders come to the Sleepout, passionate to learn more about the realities of homelessness, what our Society does in support and what they can do themselves to be part of the solution.

“In an absolutely tremendous record year, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has seen more than $2.5m raised to help build long-term affordable and social housing across Queensland – delivering real, long-term solutions to homelessness for Queenslanders in need.”

The night also included plenty of guest speakers and panellists, activities and events and videos showcasing lived experiences with homelessness. 

A big thank you to all organisers, participants, ambassadors, guest speakers and volunteers who helped make this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout the biggest one yet.

The Sunshine Coast team celebrated a record year at Maroochy Surf Club.