On June 18 Smarter Communities CEO Alex Lang participated in his second Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise vital funds for people experiencing homelessness.

This year the event was held differently to every other year, but it did not succumb to COVID-19.

Instead of sleeping outdoors in a central location, leaders from around the country nominated to sleep either in their car, on a couch or in their backyards to gain a sense of the housing insecurity faced by thousands of Australians every night.

Alex chose to sleep on the pavement outside his Sydney home.

“In difficult times it is even more important to remember the vulnerable.

“Every day and every night Vinnies look after tens of thousands of people in need by providing a warm meal, shelter and support.

“I learned from talking to Vinnies volunteers last year that it is not just the material things like food and shelter, but also the mental health support. The simple act of knowing there is someone who will listen, that is crucial in helping people out of homelessness,” Alex said.

Last year, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout raised $7.9 million for people experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness.

Alex smashed his 2019 goal of $5,000 and raised $8,626.

This year Alex has again exceeded his goal, and to date has raised $11,582.

Putting this into perspective

Organisations like Vinnies rely on the generosity of all of us to continue to do their important work. In economically challenging times, fundraising becomes even harder.

By donating to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout:

• $55 helps feed a family for a day
• $120 helps a family keep the power on this winter
• $300 helps relocate a person sleeping rough to accommodation services
• $505 helps provide emergency accommodation for a family in crisis

One night isn’t a lot, but it can make a whole lot of difference

Winter is coming and with it the coldest nights of the year. Too many people face the harsh reality of not having a warm and safe place to sleep.

“I wanted to do my bit to help those children, women and men who are homeless by participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout,” said Alex.

So far this year Alex has helped provide:

• 36 individual support programs
• 96 beds
• 386 meals

Please support Alex by donating to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to help prove we care about the less fortunate in our community.

Vinnies and other organisations do invaluable work in providing food, safe shelter and most importantly, help in getting people’s lives back on track.

It’s not too late to donate. Thank you.