PAYCE team brave winter conditions to support people experiencing homelessness

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan and PAYCE executive Tony Wishart have once again joined hundreds of business leaders in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, raising $28,631 for people experiencing homelessness.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan (left) and PAYCE executive Tony Wishart (right) prepare for a long, cold night at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness.

While temperatures were slightly milder than previous years, strong winds sweeping across Sydney Harbour ensured participants received a reminder of the challenges faced every night by people sleeping rough.

A long-time supporter of the event, Dominic said the experience remains a powerful reminder of the growing homelessness crisis.

“One of the aims of the Sleepout is to raise awareness about the endless hardship and struggles faced by those without a home.

While I experienced some discomfort for a few hours, it really doesn’t compare to the harsh conditions that those experiencing homelessness face every day.

“To think more and more people are sleeping rough every night is a tragic and unacceptable situation in a city like Sydney.”

Tony Wishart said the annual event continued to highlight the challenges confronting vulnerable Australians.

“I certainly did not find it any easier than last year, even though it was not quite as cold,” he said.

“As you walk around the city, the number of people sleeping rough just seems to grow.

“One uncomfortable night’s sleep is a small price to pay if it helps Vinnies raise essential funds to support people who are facing homelessness and hardship.”

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is one of Australia’s largest homelessness fundraisers, generating millions of dollars each year to support emergency accommodation, food relief, outreach programs, health and counselling services, crisis support, and longer-term housing solutions.

Dominic said rising housing costs and broader cost-of-living pressures were making life increasingly difficult for many Australians.

“With the cost of living continuing to rise year after year, the situation is becoming desperate for more people, and sadly some are ending up on the streets,” he said.

“When that happens, many struggle to find their way back to a life with the basics most of us take for granted, including a safe and secure place to call home.

“The work undertaken by Vinnies makes a real difference to thousands of people every year, and we are proud to play a small part in supporting that effort.”