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The Vinnies CEO Sleepout took place on Thursday 22nd June, a chilly winter night known as one of the longest and coldest nights of the year.
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is an annual event where numerous CEOs, business owners, community leaders, and government officials come together to spend the night outdoors.
The purpose of this event is to show support for the homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness in Australia.
While a single night may seem brief, its impact can be significant. Hence, Henry Schein’s executive team were enthusiastic in joining this year’s sleepout. They slept outside alongside other participants, immersing themselves in an enlightening experience aimed at raising awareness and shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the homeless population.
In 2022 Mike Covey, Henry Schein’s VP & Managing Director Dental ANZ, participated in this event and was able to raise over $9,000 towards the cause. This money went towards providing emergency accommodation for families in crisis, keeping power on throughout the winter, and relocating a person sleeping rough to accommodation services.
This year, the Henry Schein team has raised over $18,000 and counting.
Here is what Mike Covey had to say about the experience:
"On behalf of the Henry Schein Australia Executive Team, we would like to thank you for your support to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
Last night, we had the opportunity to hear stories from homeless people which were full of tragedy and sadness but also of hope. Vinnies provides a path for homeless people to navigate the welfare system as well as acute and immediate support of food and shelter.
We learnt about the effects of the nationwide housing crisis, shelter accessibility and the difficulties surrounding rent payments. Additionally, attention was brought to women and children escaping domestic violence, the growing number of women aged 55 and above facing housing challenges, and the disproportionate representation of the Aboriginal indigenous community.
Thank you again so much for your support of this worthy cause."
Thank you from Mike Covey, Michael Fahey, Michael Earl, Steve Longley, Andrew Harvey and Ariane Aeschimann-Forbes
If you would like to find out more about Vinnies CEO Sleep Out click here
