Winter challenge accepted: Vinnies CEO Sleepout returns to Canberra
Posted on
No one ever expects to find themselves without a home. But for a predicted 1700 Canberrans, finding a safe place to sleep is a challenge they face each night.
And with ongoing cost of living pressures and the lack of affordable housing affecting the local community, the number of people experiencing homelessness in the Canberra region is only going to grow – and winter is coming.
Once again calling for Canberra’s leaders to take action on homelessness, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is back for 2025 to raise awareness and funds to support some of the most vulnerable members of the community. Taking the issue to the doors of a national institution that’s long been a place of influence and connection – the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House – this year, the fundraising target is $850,000.
But according to St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn CEO Lucy Hohnen, the experience of the sleepout isn’t just to raise money – it’s to gain insight, listen and take action.
“We need to remember that homelessness is not just an uncomfortable statistic. These numbers represent the individuals, families, women escaping domestic violence, young people, and workers who are forced to sleep in their cars, on couches, or on the streets,” she says.
“No one ever expects to find themselves without a home. But it doesn’t take much for a physical or mental illness, domestic and family violence, job loss, or rising living costs to tip anyone into crisis.”
For the CEO of ALLBIDS, Ben Hastings it’s a cause close to his heart – and one he knows all too well.
Joining the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, Ben will be just one of many leaders leaving behind the comforts of home to sleep outside with only a sleeping bag and some cardboard. Experiencing homelessness in his teenage years, the now 30-year-old wants to use his power and influence to raise much-needed awareness and funds for those doing it tough, just like he did.
“Hidden homelessness is something many of us might not think about until it starts to hit close to home, and unfortunately it is happening everywhere,” he says.
“When I was sleeping rough growing up, I did not know these programs existed, and by spreading the word, I hope many stuck in the same situation that I was in, can access these life-changing services. “
“But not only that, I think it is important to raise awareness and start conversations about the shame or embarrassment that may associated with sleeping rough. It is important to talk about this because homelessness can happen to anyone.”
L-R Andrew Harper Deputy Director of MoAD, Ben Hastings CEO of ALLBIDS.com.au, Lucy Hohnen CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn.
Currently receiving 130 calls a day to their Emergency Relief Helpline, in the past six months, Vinnies reports that 700 Canberrans and their families have sought emergency assistance on more than five occasions.
Explaining that every dollar raised during the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will go directly Vinnies homelessness services including Vinnies Night Patrol Vans, specialised case management support and emergency assistance with essentials (like rent, food, fuel, and medical bills), Lucy says that they are currently running at capacity with many services carrying a waiting list.
“Year on year we have seen a significant increase in demand on our services due to ongoing cost of living pressures and the lack of affordable housing in our community,” she explains.
“This is our biggest fundraising event of the year, and it is vitally important to enable our services to provide assistance to people experiencing disadvantage in our region.”
Taking place on Thursday 19 June, the the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout is still asking for CEOs, executives, business and community leaders to join the cause. Because as Ben says, it’s not just about one person making a difference.
“It’s about all of us here as leaders in the business community, standing together to make a real change. The Vinnies CEO Sleepout gives us a chance to do exactly that – to stand with those who have nowhere to turn.”
“Knowing that the funds raised from the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will support vulnerable Canberrans and knowing that every dollar raised is a direct contribution to someone having the chance to sleep comfortably, to have a warm meal, and is potentially giving someone the chance to get back on their feet and begin to rebuild their life, is a deep and truly rewarding feeling.”
Don’t want to sleep out but would like to support the event? Donate at ceosleepout.org.au
Feature image: L-R (up): Joanne Farrell from Build Like A Girl Australia, Christine Shaw from Christine Shaw Properties, Mirko Milic from Canberra Toyota L-R (bottom): Ashlee Berry from Property Council of Australia, Ben Hastings from ALLBIDS.com.au, Lucy Hohnen from St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn and Neville Tomkins from Scouts ACT.
