Compassion, capybaras and kindness at Vinnies CEO Sleepout launch
As South Australia faces mounting housing pressures, prominent local leaders prepare for the 20th annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout, while Vinnies SA CEO Evelyn O’Loughlin warns the ‘fair go’ isn’t as fair as it used to be.
“I think it’s becoming increasingly clear that the ‘fair go’ isn’t as fair as it used to be.”
Vinnies SA CEO Evelyn O’Loughlin did not mince her words when she talked about the challenges facing people doing it tough in South Australia.
As business, community and leaders including incoming Zoos SA CEO, Dr Phil Ainsley, gathered today at Adelaide Zoo for the launch of Vinnies CEO Sleepout, it was a message that resonates with event participants.
So much so, that many come back year after year, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars that will be used to support Vinnies SA’s work in homelessness services.
People like SULLIVAN Consulting Managing Director Andrew Sullivan, who has Vinnies CEO Sleepout stories on tap for anyone he thinks might be inspired to support the cause.
Like Jo Tonkin, Governor Hindmarsh (The Gov) Hotel Director, who when not taking time out of her busy day to launch the event at Adelaide Zoo is probably promoting it on social media.
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Or Escient CEO Stephen Mabbs, who after participating in six sleepouts and raising more than $50,000, is busy searching for a successor before he moves into retirement.
Leaders like Phil Ainsley and Zoos SA’s Acting Director of Community Engagement Brendan Kilpatrick, who will both be sleeping out in the cold on 19 June with a Zoos SA team.
Vinnies SA CEO Evelyn O’Loughlin at Adelaide Zoo
“Good people, good leaders. The kind of people who have empathy for their communities and want to help those less fortunate than themselves,” said O’Loughlin. “That’s the kind of business, community and government leaders who sign up for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.”
As the days lengthen, the temperatures drop and the cost of living and housing pressures increase, these are leaders that can be relied upon to take action.
“Leaders with a powerful sense of social justice and compassion are naturally drawn to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout,” said O’Loughlin.
“I believe this is because these values underpin everything we do at Vinnies – and the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is built around them.
“These are people who understand that homelessness isn’t a choice, and that it can happen to anyone. They’re very special people indeed.”
Participants and media at today’s launch of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout
The Vinnies social justice and compassion message was poignant and pertinent, even amid the smiles and photo opportunities in front of Adelaide Zoo’s capybara habitat.
“We always try to bring a bit of fun to our launches, and this year’s hosts Zoos SA have given us one of the best ever, which is fantastic, especially as this is the 20th year of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Australia,” O’Loughlin said.
“It’s important not to forget what this is all really all about though, which is raising vital funds to sustain essential support and services for those in urgent need.”
She hopes the message resonates with other leaders and encourages them to sign up, so Vinnies SA can raise as much as possible.
“We appreciate the deep commitment to fairness and equity demonstrated by South Australian leaders participating this year, and in previous Vinnies CEO Sleepouts, and we encourage others who share these values to join us and sign up to help make a difference.
“So many people are struggling and it’s only getting worse, so if you’re a business community or government leader – and you don’t have to be a CEO – please consider joining us in helping fellow South Australians doing it tough.”
If you’d like to donate to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, or sign up to participate, find out how here.
