It is that time of year when the nights are starting to feel colder and a bunch of local business leaders band together to sleep outside to raise vital funds for homelessness prevention. The annual Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout took place on 23 June 2022 at eight locations across Australia. Each year, more and more of the coast’s executives are stepping up to support the CEO Sleepout, and this year the Gold Coast event saw 237 keen participants behind the cause.
Two of these participants were DocSol’s own directors and longtime supporters – Alan Thompson and Colin Wheeler. We are happy to report both endured the cold night and smashed their fundraising goals thanks to the generous support of clients, colleagues, company partners, family, and friends. Together, they raised a combined total of $18,274 to support homelessness prevention and support efforts by Vinnie’s on the Gold Coast.
Overall, the Gold Coast raised a grand total of $652,730 breaking last year’s record! Nationally, an incredible $9,500,270 was raised.
Where does the Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout money go?
The amount raised at each sleepout location stays in that vicinity to aid locally, so all the money raised this year at the Gold Coast sleepout will stay on the coast. It is no secret our city is experiencing a housing crisis and we are seeing the rates of homelessness rise at concerning levels. The tough economic conditions have seen many Gold Coasters, including children, sleeping rough for the first time ever. It’s a confronting fact, and we know one night in the cold cannot compare to this real-life experience, but the funds raised will make a difference.
Vinnie’s QLD put the CEO Sleepout funds into these 3 Gold Coast initiatives:
- Cornerstone Homelessness Support Service Program
- Rendu House
- The Hub
The Cornerstone Program has helped close to 1,000 locals who were without a home or at risk of losing their tenancy. Providing accommodation and assistance, and leading families and individuals to specific community organisations dealing with domestic violence, drugs and alcohol, and legal services to provide the required help needed for each situation.
Last year saw the inauguration of Rendu House located in Southport. This 6-unit accommodation is dedicated to mature-aged women who are at risk of homelessness as they are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless community and among the most vulnerable. Vinnie’s provide for individual needs here and wrap-around services to support these women.
A new project, The Hub, has been completed thanks to the funds raised at the Sleepout. The Hub hosts a variety of wrap-around services all offered under one roof allowing for personalised and varied assistance through collaboration between services. Vinnie’s states, “The Hub will represent hope and action.”
Every year, the CEO Sleepout is a humbling and eye-opening event that reminds us why we show up and support this important local cause. We would like to thank every individual and business that has supported our directors in 2022. It is important to us to give back to the community we operate in and will your added support, we make a much bigger difference.
We are looking forward to next year already. If you would like to join the CEO Sleepout for 2023 you can find more info and pre-register here.
