One night. Five years. A problem that's only getting harder to ignore.
When I first did the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, homelessness felt like something most Melburnians could almost look past. It was there, but it wasn't everywhere.
That's changed. Walk through the CBD today. Drive through the suburbs. The signs are harder to miss, and the numbers behind them are harder to stomach. More Australians are sleeping rough, couch surfing, or one crisis away from losing a roof over their heads.
This is my fifth year taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Melbourne, and I keep coming back because the problem keeps growing. Together, we've raised over $21,000 across those five years, and every dollar has gone toward St Vincent de Paul Society's work supporting Australians doing it tough.
St Vincent de Paul Society has been showing up for people in crisis for over 160 years. In Victoria alone, Vinnies provides emergency relief, transitional housing, mental health support, and pathways out of homelessness for thousands of people each year. They don't just put a roof over someone's head for a night. They walk alongside people, often for months, helping rebuild stability and dignity from the ground up.
One night outside is uncomfortable. For too many people, it's just Tuesday.
I'm aiming to raise $5,000 this year. If you can contribute, even $50 or $100 makes a real difference to people who need it most. I'd love your support.
So far this year I helped provide
15
Individual support programs
41
Beds
166
Meals
Funds raised over the years
Latest Donations
$1.53k
Quad Lock
$505
Mark Spencer
Onya AP!
$318.90
Graham Sammells
Well done mate.
$300
Anonymous
A worthy cause
$210.20
Dunn Family
Awesome work. Thanks for your leadership AP
$200
Louise Haslehurst
$150
Melvin
Thanks, AP - you have real heart!
$127.34
Jason Krause
$127.34
Oolivia Stenhouse
What a wonderful thing you are doing.
$127.34
Donna Harding
Love that you do this each year
$127.34
Jeff Yeates
$127.34
Andrew Poole
$127.34
Nigel Harvey
ONYA AP - a great cause! The
$127.34
The Lenny Rocks Agency
A true leader!
$125.50
Sean Savitt / Casestry
Wonderful to see leaders in business helping the community and putting themselves in the shoes of those less fortunate.
$120
Adrian Rafter
Great work AP. Good to see you doing this again.
$106.12
Brea Mcadie
Great work AP, such an amazing cause!
$106.12
Michael Ritchie
Really go effort again. Go champ!
$100
Colin Mcdonald
$80.96
Sally
Good job cousin!
$80.96
Martin Tulloch
$80.96
George Jozsa
Great Work Andy!
$54.84
Camille Edgar
Great work Andrew, you are an inspiration.
$36.06
Kris Mcdowell
Last time I saw you sleep outside over night was outside an igloo downtown schlasming! Not sure it was intentional Has to get you to the 5k Good work AP You’re a proper man!
$11.80
