The St Vincent de Paul Society’s “Escape from Poverty” campaign is one of many Society initiatives designed to raise awareness of the problems of poverty and homelessness.

Now in its second year, the “CEO Winter Sleep Out” is one of the best known features of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s “Escape from Poverty” campaign.

CEOs from many of Sydney’s top companies will accept the challenge to sleep out under the stars at Telstra Stadium on June 21, Winter Solstice (the longest night of the year).

Not only does the event raise awareness of the plight of homeless people, CEOs also make a donation – for example, an amount equivalent to a night’s accommodation at a five-star hotel.

The CEO Winter Sleep Out differs from the many fundraising events reliant on corporate support.

As one CEO explained, “the Sleep Out provides a thought provoking insight into the crisis of homelessness”.

Participants in last year’s event were entertained by homeless men from the Matthew Talbot Hostel band, “MT Hands”.

Band members then shared their stories with the CEO’s, reminding one another of the common problems we all encounter in life.

The night also included a discussion on the link between mental health issues and homelessness, followed by a performance by school students illustrating many of the hidden facets of homelessness.

“While it was cold”, said one CEO, “our sleeping bags kept us warm. The concrete was hard to sleep on, even with a piece of cardboard as a mattress, but sunrise at Telstra Stadium was wonderful. Ultimately, all of us were very conscious of the fact that, unlike homeless people, we had a warm bed to sleep in every other night of the year.”

This year, due to the success of the CEO Winter Sleep Out, a “Vinnies Catholic Education Winter Sleep Out” will also be held on June 21 at Eastern Creek, allowing teachers and students to get involved in this invaluable community awareness and fundraising event.

To find out more about the Escape from Poverty campaign and the Winter Sleep Out events, visit www.vinnies.org.au