3 July 2023
22 June is known to be the coldest night of the year in Australia, and it was the night that Southern Cross Care QLD (SCCQ) CEO, Jason Eldering took part again in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout. Jason was joined by his team of Senior Leaders, together with other business, government and community leaders across Australia, all for an important cause.
SCCQ’s Sleepout team included Jason Eldering, Michael Wild, Mike Hart, Tracey Campion, Sandra Glaister, Mark Botsford, Jodi Butler, Kaye Coates, Adam Priest, Scott Norton, Matt Martin and Karen Wilson, who slept rough for one night outside at Brisbane’s Riverstage in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and on the Sunshine Coast. It was an eye-opening experience to raise awareness and bring home the realities of homelessness, and most importantly raise funds for those in need.
More than 122,000 people in Australia don’t have a safe and secure place to live, including an increasing number of young people and older women. Although the Vinnies Sleepout is only a tiny glimpse into what it’s like for those who experience homelessness, it’s an important issue which Jason is dedicated to supporting,
“Having a safe place to sleep at night is a basic human right and aligns to SCCQ’s mission that values and respects human life,” said Jason.
“The cost-of-living pressures have risen so dramatically and it’s pushed tens of thousands of Australian families over the edge into homelessness and they need our help.”
Jason and his team managed to raise over $34,000 as part of the fundraising campaign, which will enable Vinnies to provide food, accommodation, education, counselling, employment and health programs to ensure their vital services can stay up and running.
There’s never been a more crucial time for these services which need to meet the increasing demand due to COVID-19, job losses, sky-rocketing costs of living, the rental shortage, along with other social and economic pressures which keep homelessness on the rise.
As well as Jason and SCCQ’s Senior Leaders tapping into their corporate networks to raise funds, the wider SCCQ community also contributed and gave generously through initiatives like Pyjama Day and morning tea events across their various homes and Support Centre.
“I am always so inspired by our SCCQ community and their generosity to participate and contribute to helping others. It’s just one way we can work together to grow communities where best lives are lived,” said Jason.
“Thank you to all those who donated to SCCQ’s fundraising campaign to help Vinnies end the cycle of homelessness and poverty in Australia. Although the Vinnies CEO Sleepout happens for just for one night, it raises awareness and vital funds to support people all year around.”
Our CEO Sleepout Team 2023
SCCQ staff getting into the spirit of Pyjama Day at Edens Landing Aged Care to raise donations for the CEO Sleepout fundraiser.
SCCQ staff getting into the spirit of Pyjama Day at Caloundra Aged Care to raise donations for the CEO Sleepout fundraiser.
SCCQ staff getting into the spirit of Pyjama Day at St Mary’s Aged Care to raise donations for the CEO Sleepout fundraiser.
