Vinnies CEO Sleepout opens for registrations with $900,000 goal

Vinnies SA is urging business leaders to brave the cold for a night at this year’s CEO Sleepout, with a goal to raise $900,000 for homelessness services.

Illuminate Adelaide Foundation co-founder and creative director Lee Cumberlidge, left, with Vinnies SA chief executive Evelyn O’Loughlin and Adelaide Oval chief executive Nick Addison at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Russell Millard

Cost of living and housing crises are making it harder than ever for South Australians experiencing homelessness, as Vinnies SA puts the call out to the state’s business leaders and their teams to lend their support by sleeping rough for just one night in June.

Registrations have opened for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, and local organisers are hoping this year’s event will raise $900,000.

The annual fundraising event reaches its 15th year in 2024, with participants - including chief executive, directors, managers and their staff - to spend the night on the hallowed turf at Adelaide Oval to raise funds for, and increase awareness of, those facing homelessness.

Vinnies SA chief executive Evelyn O’Loughlin said demand for services from a new wave of South Australians facing homelessness was rising, while donor numbers were down, and those who do donate giving less.

“We need new business leaders to join those who have been supporting the Sleepout over the past 15 years to spend a night together networking out of the boardroom and help us help those who don’t have a choice over sleeping rough,” she said.

“Rising living costs and a lack of affordable housing with no real increase in income has meant new faces are seeking homelessness services like Vinnies at a time when our own costs are rising and fewer people are donating, or those generous ones who do, are giving less than they used to because of their own commitments.”

Vinnies SA is hoping to raise $900,000 through the 2024 CEO Sleepout, which would be enough for Vinnies to provide 8280 nights of emergency shelter accommodation for men, women, children and their pets; or serve 33,120 meals through its Fred’s Van service in 10 locations across the state.

Illuminate Adelaide Foundation co-founders and creative directors Lee Cumberlidge and Rachael Azzopardi are among a group of first-time participants in the Sleepout this year.

Mr Cumberlidge, part of the duo behind the major winter event showcasing art, light and technology, said business leaders had a responsibility to lead by example, and take action in “addressing social issues including homelessness”.

“As we invite South Australians to enjoy our city in winter, transformed through lighting installations, projections and immersive experiences, it is important to also raise awareness that the same city streets are home to those sleeping rough, often unnoticed, in the toughest conditions at this time of year,” he said.

Adelaide Oval chief executive Nick Addison, who will be taking part in his second consecutive Sleepout this year, said it was important such a significant and hidden social issue be given centre stage in the heart of the city on the longest night of the year.

“Social responsibility is one of the Adelaide Oval’s core strategic pillars and so giving back to our community is important to our team,” he said.

“Our staff engagement and general awareness of homelessness grew right across the business with our entire team becoming involved in helping raise funds for Vinnies SA in some way last year.”

This year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held on June 20. To register visit www.ceosleepout.org.au.

Originally published as Vinnies CEO Sleepout opens for registrations with $900,000 goal