2021 Vinnies CEO Sleepout raises over $1 million

The 130 Vinnies CEO Sleepout participants got along to the Arboretum armed with their sleeping bags and were given just three pieces of cardboard to set up shelter for the night. Photos supplied.

This year, the CEO sleepout in ACT significantly exceeded its target of $630,000, raising a record-breaking $1,047,780.  This is the highest amount raised since the start of the CEO Sleepout in the ACT 12 years ago. Nationally the 2021 Vinnies Sleepout raised $9,372,501. We could not have done it without your support.

Even though it didn’t get as cold as it has in previous years, St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn CEO Barnie van Wyk said it was still an uncomfortable experience for those who took part.

St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn CEO Barnie van Wyk said he was “amazed, inspired and grateful” for the generosity of those who raised the funds.

“It is hard to comprehend how so many individuals and families have to go through this every night,” he said.

The year’s event was held at the Village Centre at the National Arboretum Canberra, where local business, community and government leaders arrived bringing nothing but a sleeping bag. They were provided with three pieces of cardboard to set up shelter for the night and after selecting a place to sleep, had soup and a bread roll for dinner. 30 more participants joined via live stream while sleeping out in various locations, including some in their cars, backyards, and couches. Other local Sleepout locations included the Fyshwick Business Association where 8 business leaders slept out at the Dirty Jane’s car park and raised $105,778.

The funds raised will allow Vinnies to continue providing their intervention and support services to those at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the Canberra region.