On its 20th anniversary, the fundraiser to help the homeless will take place on 19 June this year
The NSW Bar Association, K&L Gates and Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS) will be represented at this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
Former NSW Bar Association President Arthur Moses SC, K&L Gates partner Paul Lalich and JWS partner Samantha Daly are among the legal professionals who are set to participate in the fundraising initiative conducted by St Vincent de Paul Society. For one night on 19 June, Moses, Lalich and Daly will go “without warmth or comfort” to experience what it’s like for the homeless and those facing homelessness, according to a St Vincent de Paul Society media release.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the initiative, which also sees participants from the business sector and the wider community. Moses also participated in last year’s sleepout.
“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout brings together people from a variety of backgrounds and industries in the name of a shared purpose: working to take action on homelessness. We’ve seen so many people take part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout over the past two decades gain a greater understanding of homelessness and how they can use their positions of influence to push for a more just society where people have the safety of a home”, said Niamh Mannion, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s acting CEO.
Proceeds from the sleepout will finance early intervention and ongoing support for the homeless through the provision of food, housing, healthcare, case management and tailored assistance. The funds will also support the over 100 services and programs operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.
This year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held throughout the country, with events happening in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. CEOs and senior leaders have also been invited to make donations online.
“The continued support the event has received over the years has been heartening and we look forward to welcoming new participants who can play a part in ensuring that our services can meet the need that exist now and going forward”, Mannion said.
The society pointed out that over 122,000 people are homeless throughout Australia, with 35,000 of these residing in NSW. In the past year, the society provided 11,800 individuals with homelessness and housing, health and community and inclusion services.
