On 23 June, business and community leaders throughout Queensland traded their warm beds for the cold ground in support of the 2022 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

This year’s Sleepout was the most successful in the event’s 13-year history in Queensland, raising more than $2 million towards housing and homelessness support – a truly tremendous result!

The Brisbane Sleepout event was held for the first time at the Riverstage, while the Gold Coast team returned to the CBUS Super Stadium in Robina, raising more than $650,000 and smashing their their fundraising target of $500,000!

2022 also marked the first year an official event has been held at the Sunshine Coast, where participants slept the night on the beach sands of the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club.

In addition, a number of Community sleepouts were held throughout regional areas of Queensland, with participants supporting the event by sleeping out in their communities.

Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer thanked all the participants, donors, Staff, Volunteers and Members for helping to deliver a successful Sleepout for 2022.

“Thanks to everyone who supported the CEO Sleepout this year, we have raised an impressive $2 million to support those expecting or at risk of homelessness throughout Queensland,” Mr Mercer said.

“Queensland has been caught in a challenging housing crisis and affordable housing shortage, and our most vulnerable residents are being left behind in this current market, with many of our existing accommodation options at capacity.

“The funds raised from the Sleepout will help us increase our supply of housing to better provide safe, dignified housing to Queenslanders in need.”

Mr Mercer said the CEO Sleepout wasn’t just about raising vital funds for homelessness support, but also a great opportunity to educate and engage with participants about the realities of homelessness and how our communities can advocate and move towards a solution.

“I thank all our participants, ambassadors, donors and everyone who helped make this year’s Sleepout a success and hope our participants have left this event encouraged to support the most vulnerable in their communities,” he said.