Rodney Frost, chief executive, Cheque-Mates told Australian Printer, “I’m passionate about this cause and this was my fifth time taking part in it, It’s something that is close to home. So far Cheque-Mates has raised around $12500, with the support of our clients, staff, suppliers, family and friends. We hope to halve homelessness by 2020. ”

Frost says, “We have barbeques every three months at Martin Place. I’m an ambassador and committee member and this is something I enjoy doing.”

Shaun Hammerseley, managing director, Doran Printing told Australian Printer, “Doran Printing has donated the print work for the last few years for the event. I thought it was about time I took part in this great cause. We have donated around $1500 to date.”

Simon Lane, executive general manager of marketing, Fuji Xerox  told Australian Printer, “This was the first time I took part in the CEO sleep out and I have raised about $2300 for this cause. I wanted to learn about homelessness in Australia and one of clients told me about it. I will definitely be taking part again.”

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout began as a local community venture in Sydney’s Parramatta in 2006, founded by local business leader Bernard Fehon, managing director of Tactical Solutions.

The sleepout would engage business leaders to raise awareness and funds for Vinnies to support people experiencing homelessness as part of a larger Escape from Poverty campaign. The campaign also included the annual gala dinner and door knock appeal.

The inaugural event was held on June 21, 2006 at ANZ Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park.

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