Steadfast executives Robert B. Kelly AM, founder, managing director, and CEO, and Nigel Fitzgerald, chief operating officer, will spend a “cold and confronting” night to help end homelessness.
Kelly and Fitzgerald have joined this year's Vinnies CEO Sleepout. All funds raised through the event will go towards crisis accommodation options for families and people at risk of homelessness.
Kelly, who is in his sixth year of participating in the CEO Sleepout, said that “the most confronting part to fathom is that while we can return to a warm and safe home, many Australians don't have that option.”
“Too many people and families sleep with cold, fear, and uncertainty night after night, which needs to change,” Kelly said.
Kelly watched his own grandfather battle alcoholism and homelessness for much of his life, and the CEO said that his relative “is never far from my thoughts” when he participates in the fundraiser.
“I'm grateful for every CEO that dedicates their time and resources to such a worthy cause,” Kelly said.
According to Steadfast, over 122,000 people in Australia do not have a safe place to live, including an increasing number of young people and older women.
Fitzgerald, who is on his fourth sleepout, said that every donation will make a difference.
“For some families, it could be the difference between keeping the power on or battling the cold this winter,” he said. “You never think twice about spending a night outside when the stakes are that high. This is a devastating reality for many people, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help in some small way.”
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout will take place at the White Bay Cruise Terminal in Sydney today, June 22.
