Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President, Linda Scott, has taken part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout overnight to play her part in raising close to $9 million for the annual homelessness fundraiser.
The 2022 Vinnies CEO Sleepout has so far raised $8.7 million to provide vital assistance to the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and hardship across Australia.
In its 17th year, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has raised more than $80 million since it kicked off in 2006.
Across NSW, leaders from business, politics and the community raised over $2.8 million at events held in Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong overnight.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, Jack de Groot said he was delighted by the show of support for people experiencing disadvantage.
“The money raised will ensure continued support for people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence through accommodation, food, healthcare, education, and other relief,” he said.
“So many people are feeling the pinch of the cost of living and the increasingly unaffordable housing market; events like the Vinnies CEO Sleepout are crucial to ensure the Society can continue meeting that need.
“Each year, the demand for our services continues to grow.
“While donations will help us alleviate that hardship in the short-term, it is the gathering of thought leaders we see here tonight who can use their influence to help provide change in the long-term.
“It is incredibly heartening to see the outpouring of generosity from participants and the community who have donated to this year’s event.
“And it’s great to see the commitments made here tonight by the CEOs – and in previous years – in terms of advocacy and other ways they can help beyond participating on the night.”
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State Council President, Paul Burton said monies raised at the event will benefit people across the state and the nation.
“The number of people seeking our help continues to grow as a result of increasing social and financial pressures, so the funds raised will allow us to give a hand up to those in need,” Mr Burton said.
Figures from the most recent 2016 Census show that on any given night, in excess of 116,000 people nationwide have no permanent home.
In NSW the number of people experiencing homelessness increased by 37% from 2011-2016 to a total of 37,715.
It was ALGA President and City of Sydney Councillor, Linda Scott’s 10th year in a row taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
“With Sydney housing now the second most expensive in the world, there’s more and more people needing housing support,” Ms Scott wrote to followers online.
The Sleepout came at the close of a busy week for the ALGA President, who hosted the National General Assembly of Local Government this week in Canberra, with around 1,000 Mayors and councillors descending on the nation’s capital for critical talks.
The ALGA will now review more than 106 policy initiatives adopted by resolution of the Assembly in the coming months.
Donations for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout remain open until 31 July and participants looking to take part in the 2023 Vinnies CEO Sleepout are able to pre-register at www.ceosleepout.org.au.