Businessmen and women from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven raised more than $125,000 for homeless people in the region on Thursday night by sleeping out in the cold.
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St Vincent de Paul Society's Wollongong Diocesan Central Council executive officer Peter Quarmby said while fundraising continues until the end of July it was clear the highest fundraiser for the 2019 Vinnies CEO Sleepout was going to be Aster Group's Daniel Munk.
Mr Quarmby said the 41 participants got more than they bargained for when a downpour sent those who chose to set up their beds on the grass scurrying in the middle of the night.
"We had some teepees collapsing and that caused some hurried movement around the place," he said.
Following a mad dash under the awning at the Enterprise 1 building at the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus the participants continued to sleep outside on what one of the coldest nights of the year.
First time participants included Shellharbour Mayor Marianna Saliba. "I will definitely do it again".
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips came to Wollongong to take part because the Shoalhaven is in the Wollongong Diocese and she wanted to help the homeless in her electorate.
Acorn Lawyer senior associate and general manager Simone Goodwin said the eight member team from the Wollongong law firm experienced team work when they had to rebuild tents for each other after the rain.
But that did not put off some saying they will do it again in 2020 after they raised $12,000.
Community Relations officer Kane Baker said "it really makes you appreciate what people who are homeless go through daily".
Mia Dowie said it was a very cold night and it was good to do it as part of a team.
As they left many said they would back back on June 18, 2020 for the next Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
