Vinnies CEO Sleep Out 2011 in Chilly Conditions

There will be some strange bedfellows across the nation overnight as leading CEOs and a few interlopers take part in the 2011 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

The country’s top bosses will shift their attention from making decisions to making a difference in a bid to help address the growing issue of homelessness in Australia.

The weather forecast across the country overnight is chilly.

Former Prime Minister and now Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd sayswhile he’s not a CEO he is still taking part in this year’s sleepout.

Rudd will join the event in Melbourne, because his office says ''he's really tough, and sleeping out in warm beautiful Queensland is simply too soft''.

Others participating include Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, in Sydney and Homelessness Minister Mark Arbib – who has raised $200 in sponsorships and aims to get $1000.

This year’s event has already attracted leading CEOs including: Ralph Norris, CEO, Commonwealth Bank; L Janusz Hooker, CEO, LJ Hooker; Andrew McEvoy, CEO, Tourism Australia; and John Latham, Managing Director, Pfizer Australia.

They will all sleep rough for one night to experience what it is like to be homeless while raising awareness and money for Vinnies homeless services across Australia.

ACOSS Acting CEO Tessa Boyd Caine will talso ake part in Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

Caine says the event challenges business and community leaders to experience homelessness first-hand for one night, raise important money, and with fresh insight go on to effect change in social opinions on this serious issue.

So far 1006 CEO have registered to take part and raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society. The current top fundraiser is Ralph Norris the CEO of the Commonwealth Bank who has raised $95,047.59. 

For more information visit: http://www.ceosleepout.org.au/