The Vinnies CEO Sleepout comes to town again on 20 June at Adelaide Oval, and a new cohort of business and community leaders have put their hands up to help shine a light on homelessness while raising significant funds to support Vinnies’ services.

Three of these are members of the executive management team from Adelaide Venue Management (AVM), which operates the Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Coopers Stadium, along with functions and concerts at The Drive.

CEO Martin Radcliffe and general managers Sarah Goldfinch and Kate Russo will don the Vinnies CEO Sleepout beanie for the first time next month to individually and collectively help support people at risk or experiencing homelessness in our state.

“As business leaders, we have a responsibility to address social concerns head-on and the Vinnies CEO Sleepout provides a platform for us to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most,” Radcliffe said.

“At our venues we have the privilege of bringing to life a range of enriching experiences, however, we are aware that not everyone has access to the same opportunities.

“Getting involved in the Sleepout signals an intent to maximise our positive impact on communities and is just one of the many ways we are living out our commitment to the organisation’s Environment Social Governance strategy.”

Vinnies SA CEO Evelyn O’Loughlin

Vinnies SA CEO Evelyn O’Loughlin said she is delighted by the number of new participants to this year’s event and said it is vitally important that it experiences renewal each year.

“We have some longstanding supporters who have taken part more than 10 times, and we are truly indebted to them for their commitment from a fundraising point of view and their all-important advocacy work,” O’Loughlin said.

“However, it’s critical that we see new faces each year to expand the reach of the Sleepout, and to bring a sense of renewed vigour to an event that is in its fifteenth year in SA.”

In a recent InDaily opinion piece, O’Loughlin described the perfect storm of events that has led to more people contacting Vinnies for help, including the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and a lack of affordable housing.

“So now, more than ever, we are relying on the business community to help us respond to this new wave of poverty and homelessness,” she said.

“The demand is increasing, relentless and urgent.”

Radcliffe was sympathetic to those sleeping rough in and around the city and said he and his team are pleased to play their part in helping raise awareness and important funds to break the cycle of homelessness.

“At AVM, we’re passionate about supporting South Australians in need,” he said.

“Not everyone is fortunate to have a steady job, roof over their heads, or friends and family to call on for support.

“Taking part in the Sleepout will be an incredibly humbling experience as we experience for just one night what hundreds – if not thousands – of South Australians endure each and every night, without respite.

“It’s also a demonstration to our clients and team that we are committed to walking the talk and raising awareness and funds through our own networks.

“We can’t sit back and expect someone else to take care of it – we need to be the ‘someone’.”

The AVM team is in good company as first-timers, with other notable newcomers including Andrew Kay, CEO of the South Australian Business Chamber (formerly Business SA); Illuminate Adelaide co-founders and creative directors Rachael Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge; Committee for Adelaide CEO Sam Dighton; and SA Woman of the Year finalist Lidia Faranda-Hall, who is the founder and CEO of Resolute Ready.

“It’s fantastic that we have such a great cross-section of business and community leaders – young and old, new and established – taking part this year,’ O’Loughlin said.

“Homelessness is a really complex issue that requires collective effort and sustained commitment.

“It’s important for people to know that the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is not just a one-night event; it’s a catalyst for ongoing action and advocacy, and I can’t wait to start these important conversations on the night.

“If you’re in a position to help, please do by signing up to take part, or sponsoring the event or someone else who is participating, or by getting in touch to see how we can work together to get better outcomes for vulnerable people in our community.”

Radcliffe also called on more people in his and related industries – events, hospitality and tourism – to get on board.

“Our sector is deeply intertwined with local communities, and I believe that participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will help shine a spotlight on this topic and further encourage more leaders to support this important cause.”

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held on Thursday, 20 June 2024 at Adelaide Oval. Business and community leaders are invited to sign up at ceosleepout.org.au