More than 30 bosses from the Illawarra and beyond slept out in the cold on Thursday in Wollongong and raised more than $155,000 to help the homeless.
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For first-time participant South Coast Private Hospital chief executiive and director of nursing Kim Capp it was the chance to get a real appreciation of what many people in our community experience every night.
Ms Capp described it as tough, cold and the night felt like it went on forever. As she left the sleepout at dawn she realised she had only had to endure one night of discomfort while others in our community sleep outdoors in the elements every night.
She said the staff at South Coast Private were very keen to keep supporting the event.
“I anticipate a team next year. I was challenged by a fellow healthcare CEO from Newcastle to participate,” Ms Capp said.
“So it is his fault I am exhausted and my back aches from sleeping on a sheet of cardboard.”
But she said the journey to help homeless people in the Illawarra was worth the challenge.
“The hospital had a fifth birthday in Stuart Park and we hired a dunking machine,” Ms Capp said.
“People paid to Dunk the Don. It was quite a sight. My staff were very keen to dunk me in cold water.
“I also sent the usual begging letters to friends and colleagues and finally a raffle with donations from Novotel, Bunnings, Mitchell's Market and Hasties”.
The highest fundraiser for the 2018 Vinnies Winter CEO Sleepout at St Mary’s Star was Aster Group chief executive Daniel Munk who achieved $36,000.
The total generated with the support of staff and patrons of Wests Illawarra brought Mr Munk’s four year participation to almost $100,000 for the homeless.
St Vincent de Paul Society’s Wollongong Diocesan Central Council executive officer Peter Quarmby said it was an amazing effort by a community minded boss who was happy to throw out the challenge for anyone to beat him.
Mr Munk’s motive was to raise as much as possible for the homeless and he didn’t mind where he finished. So long as the people who need help the most get it.
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