The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that 116,000 people in Australia are experiencing homelessness. It’s not just the figures that matter, it’s the people behind them.
Vinnies don’t just want to help individuals, they want to transform our community into a place built on compassion and justice. Vinnies advocates for several pressing social justice issues, including the urgent need for more government investment in social housing.
How can we help? This year our CEO & CFO will participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout AU. On June 17, Ken & Jean will be spending a night out in their home cities, Sydney and Brisbane, to raise funds for food, shelter and support for people who are homeless or at risk.
They will get a small glimpse into what it’s like to sleep rough, but homelessness isn’t just what you see on the street – there are many tens of thousands of Australians who are caught in a cycle of insecure housing or live in severely overcrowded conditions. It’s up to all of us, especially leaders in business and government, to advocate for affordable housing and robust community services.
Ken Keenan, Chief Executive
"Growing up we did not have very much but we always had a home and food on the table. These days we all witness poverty and homelessness just about every day. Personally I try not to turn a blind eye but to be honest it is hard to face. Everyone deserves a roof over their head every night. It is time to do something to address the tragedy of homelessness"
Jean Leighton, Chief Financial Officer
"I’m regularly reminded how incredibly lucky I am that I’ve never had to beg for anything – I’ve always had a roof over my head, comfortable clothes to wear, warm bed to sleep in, pantry full of food. I have no idea what it’s like to be without shelter and creature comforts. And yet there are so many folk out there who need to beg, borrow, steal every day to survive."
Please help us make a difference in the lives of those who go without, every night of the year.
Jean: https://lnkd.in/gTmwppz