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Thanks to the rise in property prices and the decrease in affordable housing options, more and more Queenslanders are facing homelessness. After losing their rentals and homes, adults and children are turning to couch surfing or sleeping on the streets, in cars and cardboard boxes.
No one should have to live like this.
Knowing that thousands of Queenslanders are sleeping rough for the first time ever, the team at Paradise Resort is taking part in Vinnies CEO Sleepout. It may just be one night of our lives, but it will be life-changing for so many.
“Providing accommodation is what we do for a living,” says Paradise Resort General Manager David Brook. “Vinnies CEO Sleepout highlighted that there was an opportunity for us to give back to our community and raise money to put a roof over the heads of those in need.”
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is an annual charitable event organized by the St. Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) in various locations across Australia. The event aims to raise awareness about homelessness and poverty while raising funds to support Vinnies' services for those in need.
During the CEO Sleepout, business and community leaders, including CEO's, executives, and other influential figures, spend one night sleeping outdoors in a designated area, typically in the winter months. Participants experience a small taste of what it's like to be homeless, braving the elements and sleeping on cardboard or sleeping bags.
Participants in the CEO Sleepout commit to raising funds through sponsorships and donations from their networks. The money raised goes directly to Vinnies to support their programs and services that provide food, shelter, healthcare, emergency accommodation, counselling, and other forms of assistance to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout not only raises vital funds for those in need but also fosters empathy, understanding, and community engagement around the issue of homelessness in Australia. It encourages dialogue and action to address the root causes of homelessness and support those who are most vulnerable in society.
On June 24, 2022, seven managers – including David Brook himself – will participate in the annual CEO Sleepout. Along with David, Danielle Collett (Human Resources), Lars Svensk (Food and Beverage), Roland Pavoni (Executive Chef), Cherie Legget (Front Office), Rebecca Lane (Revenue Manager) and Alicia Szerszyn (Sales and Marketing) will sleep it ‘rough’ for one night, on only a piece of cardboard.
The idea behind the fundraiser is for executives to reflect on the experiences of those living below the poverty line, or without secure accommodation. Coupled with the donations made by friends, family members and colleagues, the CEO Sleepout provides an invaluable opportunity to raise funds and awareness of homelessness in Australia.
“The Gold Coast prides itself of being the tourism capital of Australia with a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets, yet we also have one of the highest rates of homelessness,” says David. “With CEO Sleepout Gold Coast retaining 100 percent of the funds raised, we felt that this was a great opportunity to get our team involved and maximise our fundraising opportunities.”
We are now over three quarters of the way to our fundraising goal of $26,500, with David having already beaten his $6,500 goal by raising a whopping $7,975.28!
With the help of our sponsors, Team Paradise Resort - who are currently QLD’s leading business with the most funds raised - has already helped to provide 47 individual support programs, 124 beds and 499 meals to homeless Queenslanders – and we won’t stop there!
Homelessness can affect anyone at any time. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that over 122,000 Australians are experiencing homelessness. Of these, 55.9% are male, 44.1% are women and 14.4% are children aged under 12 years.
With your help, we can help break the cycle of homelessness for good! Your donations help Vinnies provide food, accommodation, and essential services to people at risk and experiencing homelessness.
The CEO Sleepout is a commendable initiative aimed at raising awareness about homelessness and poverty by having business leaders spend a night outdoors, often in sleeping bags or makeshift shelters. If you want to get involved or support the CEO Sleepout, here are several ways you could consider:
If you're a CEO or a business leader, consider participating in the CEO Sleepout yourself. This not only raises awareness but also demonstrates solidarity with those experiencing homelessness.
You can donate money or resources to support the CEO Sleepout. These funds are often used to provide shelter, food, and other necessities to homeless individuals and families.
Many CEO Sleepout events require volunteers to help with logistics, organising, and supporting participants during the event. Volunteering your time can be a valuable contribution.
Use your platform, whether it's social media, your company's newsletter, or your personal network, to raise awareness about homelessness and the CEO Sleepout. Encourage others to get involved or donate.
If you represent a company, consider becoming a corporate sponsor for the CEO Sleepout. This could involve providing financial support, offering in-kind donations, or encouraging employee participation.
If there isn't already a CEO Sleepout event in your area, consider organising one yourself. Reach out to the organisers of the main event for guidance and support in setting up a local version.
Advocate for policies and programs that address the root causes of homelessness and poverty in your community. Use your influence to support initiatives that provide affordable housing, job training, and social services.
Remember, even small actions can make a big difference when it comes to tackling homelessness and poverty. Whether it's through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness, your support for the CEO Sleepout can help make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
News
09/05/2024
