TRMC Calls on Industry to Help the Homeless

The Real Media Collective is forming a national team to raise funds for the homeless and are calling on industry members across each state and territory to sleep rough for one night to raise funds for the Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout.

The Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout is a one-night event on one of the longest and coldest nights of the year – 23 June. It involves hundreds of CEOs, business owners, community and government leaders sleeping outdoors, without shelter, to support Australians experiencing homelessness. Each participant commits to raising a minimum amount of funds to help Vinnies provide products and services to those in need.

“We are aiming to have at least one industry representative in each state and territory. This is an opportunity for our industry to come together and raise money for an excellent cause,” commented Kellie Northwood, Chief Executive Officer, The Real Media Collective.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 116,000 Australians are experiencing homelessness. Of these, 60 per cent are under 35, 44 per cent are women, and 13 per cent are under 12 years old.

Northwood is no stranger to the CEO Sleepout, having participated in 2011, 2012 and 2014. Rodney Frost, Chief Executive Officer, The Lamson Group and incoming TRMC Treasurer and Board Officer, has signed up to the TRMC team and is not new to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, having raised $150,000 in funds across some 14 years. “I am a huge supporter of this charity and this event. It raises money for people in need and is a significant event to learn from and understand where the monies are going. I have participated for many years now, and each year I connect with new people and learn more about the charity. If anyone is considering, do not hesitate in contacting me, I’m more than happy to share my experiences,” commented Rodney Frost, CEO, The Lamson Group.

On the night, participants will learn about homelessness in Australia, the work that Vinnies does and how businesses and communities can play significant roles in reducing homelessness. Participants will also engage with those who have been homeless, learning about their struggles and experiences. Then it is time to head out and see what it is like to sleep outside in the cold.

Leading up to the event, participants will garner support and raise money. These donations will help Vinnie’s local, volunteer-run services provide food, accommodation, utilities and essential services to people at risk and experiencing homelessness.

“If you cannot sleep out, you can still support this industry initiative and donate to the team. Every dollar helps; please give generously. We will be giving a shout out to our supporters as we progress and are looking to run some live feeds on the night across the country,” concluded Northwood.

If you can’t’ make the Sleepout – please donate to the team.