sleepout

Just one night sleeping rough could help Tasmanians doing it tough.

That’s the message from St Vincent de Paul Society ahead of the seventh annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday 22 June at University of Tasmania Stadium.

CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania, Merleen Cronin, said each year she was overwhelmed by the support the event received from Tasmania’s business community.

“The event is open to all business leaders across Tasmania, not just CEOs. We encourage all business and community leaders, managers and small business owners to rise to the challenge and register for this year’s event,” said Ms Cronin.

“Over the six years of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, nearly $801,000 has been raised to help provide care and services to people experiencing homelessness in Tasmania,” said Ms Cronin.

Ms Cronin said every dollar the Vinnies CEO Sleepout raises stays in Tasmania to help provide crucial assistance to people experiencing homelessness, with the aim of breaking the cycle.

“In 2017, the reality is that whilst we should celebrate all the excellent work we have achieved together, we must also remember that so much more still needs to be done,” she said.

“More than ever, St Vincent de Paul Society is relying on funds raised through the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to support the services that provide care and support to the hundreds of Tasmanians who are experiencing hardship.

“Participants attending this year’s event will hear firsthand the life stories of two guest speakers who have experienced homelessness as well as the co-ordinators of our two soup van services in Hobart and Launceston.

“Our aim is to give our Sleepout participants a better understanding of what it’s like for someone who is experiencing homelessness, the varied causes of homelessness, and the stereotyping of an individual who is, or has been homeless.

“No-one chooses or wants to experience homelessness.  It is our role to truly understand and share these stories to breakdown the judgements and to make a difference.”

Participants can register as individuals or part of a team. To register and start raising funds for the 2017 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, visit ceosleepout.org.au, phone 63330822, or email launceston@ceosleepout.org.au.