On Thursday 16 June 2011 the Vinnies CEO Sleepout takes place in capital cities across Australia. Campbelltown Catholic Club CEO Michael Lavorato will be taking his sleeping bag to join a host of top executives sleeping and community leaders braving the cold at Luna Park to raise money and awareness about homelessness in Australia.

The event challenges business and community leaders to experience homelessness first-hand for one night, raise important money, and with fresh insight go on to effect change in social opinions on this serious issue. All money raised goes directly towards the ongoing provision of Vinnies’ homeless services across the country.

All money raised will go towards helping Australia′s estimated 105,000 homeless men, women and children to find the warmth, safety and dignity that they desperately deserve.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout began as a local community venture in Sydney’s Parramatta in 2006. Since then, the event has raised important funds for Vinnies Homeless Services across NSW.

In 2010 the event was launched nationally and exceeded expectations, attracting almost 700 CEO’s in 7 cities nationally and raising $2.9 million to directly assist people experiencing homelessness. The money has funded new projects, assisted with the provision of existing homeless services and allowed Vinnies homeless services to expand their programs to assist the homeless through crisis accommodation, domestic violence support and access to counselling, life and occupational skills, legal advice and education.

The aim of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is not only to raise funds, but raise awareness of homelessness. The goal is not just to service the homeless, but to bring about an end to homelessness. The discomfort of sleeping on the streets is a fragment of the larger reality we hope to impart upon influential leaders of the community. With their help, and yours, we can fight the issue of homelessness together.

It only takes a moment to make a difference. Click here now to make a donation to our CEO Michael Lavorato, drop some money in the collection box at Club Reception or visit www.ceosleepout.org.au to find out more.