Kate Walawski

One night isn't a lot, but it can make a whole lot of difference

While spending a single night in the cold cannot begin to replicate the experience of homelessness, it is an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a cause that affects far too many Australians.

Homelessness does not discriminate. It can affect people from all walks of life – young people, families, veterans, people experiencing illness or family violence, and increasingly, people who never imagined they would find themselves without a safe place to call home.

One of the most confronting realities is that older single women are now among the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness in Australia. Many have worked hard throughout their lives, raised families, cared for others and contributed to their communities, yet factors such as relationship breakdown, family violence, insecure employment, rising housing costs and inadequate retirement savings have left them vulnerable to housing insecurity later in life.

For me, the CEO Sleepout is about more than spending a night outdoors. It is about standing alongside those who are doing it tough, helping to shine a light on an issue that is often hidden in plain sight, and supporting the incredible work of Vinnies as they provide emergency accommodation, food, support services and pathways to a more secure future.

I am also proud to be participating as a Partner of Dentons, a firm with a strong commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. Through one of the largest pro bono practices in the world, Dentons supports individuals and organisations who might otherwise struggle to access legal assistance and advocates for initiatives that strengthen and support our communities. Giving back is deeply embedded in our culture, and I am grateful to be part of a firm that actively encourages its people to make a meaningful contribution beyond the workplace.

Every dollar raised helps make a tangible difference to someone facing homelessness or housing insecurity. Your generosity can help provide practical support, dignity, hope and the opportunity for a fresh start.

If you are able to contribute, I would be deeply grateful for your support. Whether your donation is large or small, it will directly assist those experiencing homelessness and help fund services that provide safety, support and a pathway forward.

Together, we can help ensure that fewer Australians are forced to face the uncertainty and hardship of homelessness alone.

Thank you for supporting this important cause and for helping make a genuine difference in the lives of some of our community's most vulnerable people.