Business, community leaders sleep rough to help battle homelessness

St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn launched the 2022 CEO Sleepout on Wednesday at the National Portrait Gallery.

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Michelle Colefax, Acting CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn said the sleepout helped with a growing issue.

"Homelessness and associated risks are a complex issue, and in the past our community has been impacted with a range of challenges including housing affordability, natural disasters, the pandemic, and more," Ms Colefax said.

"We've seen an increase in demand for our services and the need for funds to be raised through the Sleepout has never been greater."

The 2022 Vinnies CEO sleepout will be a hybrid in-person and online event where people can participate in different ways and make a positive impact in the community by raising funds for Vinnies.

More than a hundred CEOs and business owners, community and government leaders will sleep outdoors or in their cars at The National Portrait Gallery on June 23.

"We will also have participants attending the event virtually from all across the Canberra and Goulburn Archdiocese," Ms Colefax said.

"They will join the live-stream and sleep out in their cars, backyards or on their couches. All these places reflect the reality of people experiencing homelessness."

This year, Vinnies aims to raise $800,000 to support the delivery of their services across Canberra-Goulburn and surrounding regions that help break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn encourages business and community leaders from Goulburn down to Tumut, from Lake Cargelligo to Merimbula, from Temora across to Batemans Bay to register virtually and join the live stream at the night.

On the evening, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the issues and meet with the range of services Vinnies delivers to support those at risk or living with homelessness themselves. The community is also being asked to support the CEOs by donating to the fundraisers.

To register or to donate visit www.ceosleepout.org.au