PVCA RAISING MONEY FOR HOMELESS
The PVCA is forming a national team to raise funds for the homeless through the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, and is calling on industry members who are participating in the event to join under the Team Print group.
The Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout is a one-night event on one of the longest and coldest nights of the year, 22 June. It involves 1000 CEOs, business owners, community and government leaders sleeping outdoors, without shelter, to support Australians who are experiencing homelessness. Each participant commits to raising a minimum amount of funds, to help Vinnies provide products and services to those in need. This is the third year the industry association has formed a team.
The funds raised across the night are accounted and audited separately from other St Vinnies charity fundraisers, and do not go into general funds. They go straight to programmes and facilities for those less fortunate and sleeping rough on the street.
Kellie Northwood, CEO PVCA, said, “We would love to as many industry representatives in each state and territory as possible, we know a lot of our industry participate and earmarking to Team Print is a positive stand out for our industry to show case the good works we achieve together. This is an opportunity for our industry to come together and raise money for a really good cause,” commented
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 116,000 Australians are currently experiencing homelessness. Of these, 60 per cent are under 35, with 44 per cent female, and 13 per cent are less than 12 years old.
Northwood herself first participated in 2011 and subsequently in 2012, 2014 and 2022, but will be an absentee this year due to a personal commitment, however Rodney Frost, CEO, The Lamson Group and PVCA treasurer, who has raised around $180,000 in funds across 15 years, will take the industry Team Print lead this year. Among other participants Conor Ward, state manager, Queensland, Konica Minolta, raised $6,600 in his first year.
Frost said “I am passionate about helping those in need through supporting the great team at Vinnies. This event raises money for people in need, as well as being a great opportunity to shine a light on the issue and the statistics around homelessness, with an aim to remove the stigma. I have participated for many years now, and each year I connect with new people and learn more about homelessness. I’m humbled to be an ambassador for the CEO Sleepout, and I really want to see the best that our industry has to offer this year. If anyone is considering, do not hesitate in contacting me, I’m more than happy to share my experiences or help with signing you up.”
On the night, participants will learn about homelessness in Australia, the work that Vinnies does, and how businesses and communities can play large roles in reducing homelessness. Participants will also engage with those who have been homeless, learning about their struggles and experiences. Then it is time to head out and see what it is like to sleep outside in the cold.
Ward said, “I first heard about the CEO Sleepout through our Gold Coast partner Document Solutions, and took part in my first CEO Sleepout last year. I am proud to return this year with our Konica Minolta team. It is a wonderful event for networking but also for a valuable cause. Donations will help Vinnie’s local, volunteer-run services provide food, accommodation, utilities, and essential services to people at risk and experiencing homelessness which is very important across all parts of Australia."
“If you are unable to Sleepout, you can still support this industry initiative and donate to the team. Every dollar helps, please give generously,” said Northwood.
To register interest across the CEO Sleepout, contact info@pvca.org.au. If you can’t make the CEO Sleepout – please donate to the team.