The 2021 ABS Census revealed 1777 people experiencing homelessness in the Canberra region, noting family and domestic violence as a leading factor. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Could you get a good night’s sleep on a sheet of cardboard? How about with nothing but a sleeping bag to keep you warm on one of Canberra’s longest and coldest nights of the year?
Unless you’re superhuman, the answer is no. That’s the whole point of Vinnies’ biggest annual fundraiser.
Chilly toes will equal warm hearts this month for more than 120 brave souls who have registered for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout so far.
The Sleepout sees business leaders around Australia commit to sleeping rough for one night, raising critical funds for people experiencing homelessness.
The Canberra region event will be held at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House. While many participants have slept out before, others will be experiencing the night’s chill for the first time.
Among the newcomers is Cathy Norton, director of local technology specialists OPC. She will be taking the reins from long-time director and Sleepout participant Brett Norton, who retired in 2024.
Cathy and Brett are married, so although it’ll be her first time sleeping rough for charity, Cathy has some idea of what to expect.
“Brett did the Sleepout every year for almost a decade. It’s one of the most important charity events in our calendar,” she says.
“We work closely with Vinnies through our IT support offering, so the whole team has a deep understanding of how crucial their work is.
“Now that Brett has retired, I’m looking forward to continuing OPC’s legacy of looking out for our most vulnerable people.”
Women Building Change members in front of their Wall Of Pledges, which will help the group of prominent Canberra leaders raise $100,000 for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
In addition to raising as much money as possible, Cathy is also focused on dispelling common myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes surrounding homelessness.
“Homelessness could happen to anyone. There are many ordinary people out there in this situation through no fault of their own,” she says.
“They may have lost their job, be recently divorced, struggling with mental health, or fleeing domestic violence with their kids.
“The idea that homelessness is somehow a choice is simply false, and I want people experiencing it to know there are people in our community who care.”
Sunny Malhotra owns Sunny Homes, an award-winning local builder. He’s a regular at the Sleepout and says it’s nothing compared to what Canberrans experiencing homelessness go through every day.
“It’s not an easy night. Your feet and head get cold, your back gets sore, and you’re pretty exhausted at work the next day,” he says.
“But it’s only for one night, and we choose to do it.
“There are hundreds of people in Canberra who have no choice but to sleep rough, whether that’s on the street, in their car or on a friend’s couch. We get to go home to warm, comfortable homes after the event – they don’t.”
Sunny Homes has committed to matching every donation towards their $10,000 goal.
Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn has reported a massive increase in demand for its services over the last 12 months, mainly due to cost-of-living pressures and housing shortages.
Just over $500,000 has been raised for the ACT and surrounding regions so far.
All funds raised will help support vital services across the region, including crisis accommodation, food hampers, rental assistance and emergency relief.
“As individuals, we can’t help everyone. But everyone can help someone, and together we are strong,” Sunny says.
“Events like the CEO Sleepout can and do change lives. I’m looking forward to doing my part this winter with the rest of the business community.”
This year’s ACT and surrounds Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held on 19 June 2025 at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD), Old Parliament House.
To register, donate, or find out more, visit Vinnies CEO Sleepout. All donations are tax-deductible and directly assist those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
