‘For homeless people, it is every night’
“It’s needed, because with the rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing, more and more people – especially women – are really struggling, and becoming homeless.”
As the temperature at the White Bay Cruise Terminal gradually fell to 7.1 degrees on June 22, Jewish participants were among the more than 150 people there for the 2023 Vinnies CEO Sleepout fundraising challenge.
After rolling out his sleeping bag on the cold concrete floor and completing the annual fundraiser for his fifth time, Lumi founder and CEO Yanir Yakutiel told The AJN, “There are many causes to support, but this one is something I’m particularly passionate about, so I do it every year.
“While it was very cold, it wasn’t as much as last year, when it rained.
“But it was obviously uncomfortable out there, and the lack of privacy is what I found most challenging, but at least we didn’t need to worry about our safety.
“The easiest bit was that it was only one night, while for homeless people, it is every night.”
Yakutiel raised just over $11,000 through sponsorship this time.
“I’m really happy with that, and thank everyone who supported me, as it’s a very important cause,” he said.
For Johnny Weiss, the founder and managing director of the Trans-Tasman Business Circle, it was his third Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
But it was the first time he participated with his son, Rami, who is CEO of HealthShare.
“It’s always pretty tough, but the night was mild, so from that perspective it was okay, and everyone found a sheltered spot,” Johnny said.
“The Premier [Chris Minns] was there too, and although he has done the Vinnies CEO Sleepout a couple of times before, this was the first time a sitting premier has done it.”
The father-and-son duo raised $12,500 from sponsors, which they said will be enough for Vinnies to provide 410 meals for people in need, 99 bed nights, and also contribute to support programs.
“It’s needed, because with the rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing, more and more people – especially women – are really struggling, and becoming homeless.”
And participant Laura Goldberg, from Hurricanes Grill, raised $6670, which was above her $5000 target.
As usual at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Sydney, Jewish food-based charity Our Big Kitchen had a team of volunteers cooking and serving hot meals for all the participants.
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