Aster Group chief executive Daniel Munk is a man on a mission.
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Mr Munk is the leading fundraiser to date for the 2018 CEO Sleepout and is challenging other bosses and their teams to try and push him down the leader board.
Based at Wests Illawarra he has enjoyed enormous support from Aster staff. He had already raised $2500 to fight homelessness in the region prior to Wednesday’s official launch of the annual sleepout.
Mr Munk said he doesn’t mind if he doesn’t finish first so long as he raises as much money as he possibly can for such an important cause. And he is encouraging other clubs to do the same.
“I am happy to be beaten by anyone who can raise more,” he said.
St Vincent de Paul Society’s Wollongong Diocesan Central Council executive officer Peter Quarmby said there was a growing need for food and accommodation to support people experiencing homelessness.
That is why he is inviting more business leaders from across the region to spend a winter night outdoors with Mr Munk at St Mary’s Star of the Seas on June 21..
The goal is to raise more than $100,000 to fund Vinnies’ local frontline homelessness services.
Read more: CEOs set for annual Vinnies sleepout
As well as raising money for crucial St Vincent de Paul Society services and programs the annual event is also a chance for business leaders to experience homelessness for a night. And to better understand the issue facing a growing number of people in the region.
Participating chief executives will all get a chance to hear first-hand from people who have experienced real disadvantage. And they will learn more about the grassroots assistance provided by Vinnies.
Read more: Cool night for 36 sleepy Illawarra CEOs
“From the work we do at Vinnies, we know that people trying to get into the rental market or who can’t afford to stay in their rental properties are the ones most at risk of homelessness,” Mr Quarmby said,
“This year, we are putting the spotlight back on those who are locked out of the rental market, and focusing on educating and supporting business leaders so they can best assist those experiencing disadvantage and homelessness.”
Mr Munk said the homeless figures in Australia are alarming. More than 100,000 people every night have nowhere to call home. To date the CEO Sleepout has raised $40 million for the practical work Vinnies provides.