Ambitious target set for CEO Sleepout to help with homelessness crisis
On Thursday June 20, 2024, the St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania (Vinnies) will host its annual CEO Sleepout, raising funds to provide critical support to those experiencing homelessness in Tasmania.
The goal is to raise $200,000, more than ever before. This is to provide support to those experiencing homelessness in the state – noting that those numbers are also growing, more than ever before.
The event will take place simultaneously at two locations - UTAS Stadium in Launceston and MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy - from 6.00pm to 6.00am.
The CEO Sleepout is an annual fundraising event that brings together CEOs, business and community leaders from across the country to spend a night sleeping rough to raise awareness and funds for homelessness.
President of the Law Society of Tasmania, Julia Higgins is participating this year as she sees homelessness as a problem which is more visible than ever in Tasmania.
“In our work as lawyers, we see on a daily basis the struggles experienced by many Tasmanians as a result of current economic climate, where they cannot afford the necessities such as food, power etc and more and more are experiencing homeless,” she said.
“My father has been a member (volunteer) of the Society for more than 60 years in Moonah, so when I became President, it was natural to choose Vinnies as my nominated charity for 2024 as I have seen the good work they do for many years.
“The CEO Sleepout is an opportunity for business people, professionals and community leaders to use their standing in the community to bring recognition and support to those experieincing homelessness.
“While I have some apprehension about getting through one night at the CEO Sleepout, it makes me reflect on those who are sleeping rough night after night,” Julia said.
The Vice - President, Treasurer and other members of the Law Society will be joining the CEO Sleepout in both locations in June.
St Vincent de Paul Society’s Tasmanian CEO Heather Kent, said rates of homelessness in Tasmania continued to surge and the Society was urging Tasmanian business and community leaders to get involved to assist with the fundraising efforts.
“The CEO Sleepout is an excellent opportunity for the whole community to come together to support those who are most in need in our society, either by participating in or donating to the 2024 CEO Sleepout," she said.
“As Tasmania experiences harsh winter conditions, the CEO Sleepout becomes even more significant in raising awareness about the extreme challenges of those experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year.
“The event draws attention to the fact that many Tasmanians cannot afford to heat their homes due to rising energy prices and the cost of living crisis. We know that just paying rent at this time is a key issue.
“Many families go to bed each night wondering how much longer they can maintain a roof over their heads. This makes it essential to provide shelter and support to those who are most vulnerable in the community,” Heather said.
By participating in the CEO Sleepout, CEOs and business and community leaders are showing their commitment to helping those who are most in need and helping to raise awareness of this as a critical and rapidly escalating issue in the community.
The CEO Sleepout is a major force in helping our community think more deeply about homelessness and to understand what they can do at a personal level to help.
Funds raised from the event will go towards providing emergency shelter, food and clothing to those experiencing homelessness in Tasmania.
For more information and to register your interest in participating in the 2024 CEO Sleepout, please visit the CEO Sleepout website.
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