MEDIA RELEASE 11 May 2010
CCI WA CHIEF EXECUTIVE WANTS OTHERS TO ‘RISE TO THE CHALLENGE’ James Pearson, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA is gearing up for a long, cold and uncomfortable night’s sleep as a participant in the 2010 Vinnies CEO Sleepout and is urging other industry leaders to join him. The CEO Sleepout is a major fundraising event of the St Vincent de Paul Society that will be held on the evening of June 17 in all capital city’s around Australia, with WA’s to be held at major sporting landmark the WACA. WA is aiming to attract more than 100 CEOs, business and community leaders and raise over $1.5 million nationally to go directly towards the ongoing provision of Vinnies' homeless services across the country. Other participants include Suzanne Ardagh, WA State Manager of Australian Institute of Company Director’s, John Poulsen, Managing Partner of Minter Ellison and Hon Fred Chaney AO, Board Director and Chairperson of Reconciliation Australia & Desert Knowledge Australia. Mr Pearson has chosen to ‘Rise to the Challenge’ and experience homelessness first-hand for one night, raise vital funds, and gain a fresh insight on this serious issue which will effect change in social opinions amongst industry leaders. “Most of us take for granted having a roof over our head, a hot meal and a shower, and a warm bed to sleep in at the end of a long day. Sadly, not everyone enjoys these simple things in life. There are many Western Australians who are doing it tough. I’ve Risen to the Challenge as it is one small way I can help to make people aware of homelessness and encourage them to do something about it.” Cont….
Mr Pearson says “it’s important for WA’s community leaders, including business, to find ways to reduce homelessness, especially when the state is gearing up for a new wave of economic growth. All Western Australians should be able to benefit from our economic success.” Currently, over 13,000 West Australians sleep rough on Perth streets every night of the year. The St Vincent de Paul Society assisted more than 175,000 disadvantaged West Australian’s in the last financial year through Home Visitation and Special Works that involves mental illness and supported accommodation, services and advocacy for street present youth and positive activities for disadvantaged children. To register for the CEO Sleepout visit www.ceosleepout.org.au. Media inquiries: Deana Pullella, Communications Coordinator (08) 9475 5426 or 0404 086 054.