MEDIA RELEASE Embargoed 6am - 17 June 2010
IT’S RAINING, IT’S POURING, THE CEOs ARE SNORING…or not… 98 of Perth’s top business and community leaders will shiver their way through Thursday night June 17, and sleep out at the WACA to raise awareness and vital funds for Australia’s homeless as part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. In WA, there are 13,391 homeless and for just one night, these participants will gain a small insight into what daily life is like for these many thousands of people, with 32% of WA’s homeless aged just 12-18 years. Participants include Andrew Forrest, CEO Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, James Pearson, CEO Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, John Poulsen, Managing Partner Minter Ellison, Ray Wardrop, General Manager Channel Seven, Elton Swarts, Executive Chairman WA Business News, Suzanne Ardagh, WA State Manager Australian Institute of Company Directors, David Hobbs, CEO Professionals Real Estate Group, Jan Stewart, CEO Lotterywest, Robin McClellan, State Director CEDA, Barry Felstead, CEO Burswood Entertainment Complex and John Bouffler, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society WA. The full list of participants can be seen at www.ceosleepout.org.au St Vincent de Paul Society Spokesperson Lucinda Ardagh says the response Vinnies has received from the business community has been overwhelming and their passion for addressing the issue of homelessness is empowering. “The 680 business and community leaders Australia wide who will spend tonight sleeping out will get a glimpse of what life is like for 105,000 Australians every night. This understanding and awareness is so important in addressing the issue as they will have a real personal sense of the daily battles faced by those without a roof over their heads,” she says. “Homelessness is real and it exists in our community. Tonight these CEOs will sleep outdoors with nothing but a piece of cardboard, a sleeping bag and a cup of soup and bread roll for dinner. It’s going to be cold, it’s going to be uncomfortable and it’s definitely going to be a long night – especially if it rains!” Lucinda says.
In WA, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has raised over $280,000 and Nationally has raised over $1.8million. All funds raised will go towards existing Vinnies homeless services and to look at new responses to address homelessness in WA. MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES – JUNE 17, 2010 VENUE DATE TIME
WHAT
WACA, Enter at Gate 2, Nelson Crescent, East Perth Thursday June 17, 2010 Media interviews are available between 7.15pm-8pm *If required, alternative times can be discussed with Communications Coordinator, Deana Pullella on 0404 086 054* All participants will be present having their dinner of soup and a bread roll
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES – JUNE 18, 2010 VENUE DATE TIME WHAT
WACA, Enter at Gate 2, Nelson Crescent, East Perth Thursday June 18, 2010 Media interviews are available between 5.30am-6.30am Breakfast will be served to participants at 6am
All media inquiries – Deana Pullella Phone: (08) 9475 5426 Mobile: 0404 086 054 Email: deana.pullella@svdpwa.org.au