Last night the 2015 Vinnies CEO Sleepout took place at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

Despite the conditions, morale was high with many CEOs choosing to stay awake and use the challenging weather conditions as grounds for seeking much needed funds from sponsors through social media outlets.

The formal proceedings on the night included a reflection on the centenary of the landing on Gallipoli from Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial. A video was featured to give participants a glimpse of the reality of homelessness and its underlying causes including trauma, family violence and inadequate support of chronic mental illness.

At 5am participants were woken by an ADFA bugle player.

Reflecting on their overnight experience, most participants felt their perceptions of homelessness have been greatly challenged.

“As cold as it was, it was only for one night after which we were able to return to the safety and comfort of our homes,” said Air Commodore Alan Clements of ADFA, the host of this year’s event.

“However, it is a confronting reality that this is an ongoing experience for nearly 2000 people in the ACT.”

The St Vincent de Paul Society strongly advocates for long term solutions to homelessness including the provision of more affordable housing and effective actions to address root causes of homelessness such as family and domestic violence.

“Vinnies has worked tirelessly in Canberra for many years to help break the cycle of homelessness,” said Vinnies CEO Paul Trezise.’

“Funds raised from the CEO Sleepout are essential for the continuation of these services.”

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout has now been held in Canberra for six years. Our observation is that engagement in this event inspires many participants to continue their support and advocacy on homelessness issues long after they have rolled up their sleeping bags. This ongoing commitment of CEOs and their organisations has a lasting impact on Vinnies capacity to assist people in our community who need it most.”

With donations being received up to 31 August 2015, the St Vincent de Paul Society aims to reach this year’s target of $500,000 – the money that is needed to continue to provide a wide range of programs to assist homeless people and stop others to slide into homelessness.

Donations and pre-registration for next year’s CEO Sleepout event on 23 June 2016 ceosleepout.org.au

Photos by Ethos CRS Consulting