2020 has been a challenging year for many but spare a thought for the homeless who not only sleep out in the cold all winter but are rely on diminishing fundraising support as a result of COVID-19.
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Lancaster Law and Mediation founder and The Illawarra Connection president Graham Lancaster said the coronavirus crisis has kept most of us at home for long periods. But he is grateful to have a home when so many don't.
When Mr Lancaster heard the Vinnies CEO Sleepout was not proceeding as it has in the past he still wanted to help. So he is going to sleep out on his own in the backyard on June 18.
Mr Lancaster said he won't miss the snoring of the other CEOs roughing it with him in the outdoors this year. But is encouraging other business leaders to take part by participating in an online sleep out from home.
"I have been asked to sleep in my car, backyard, or couch, as they are all places that a homeless person may sleep," he said.
"I have decided to sleep in the backyard, and I may combine the couch idea, by sleeping on an outdoor lounge for three nights instead of one.
"We have 24 participants this year, and it does appear that fundraising is down a little across the board.
"Asking for money after the bushfires and coronavirus is not easy, especially as you don't know how those events have impacted.
"However, I would not be surprised if there is an increase in homelessness and associated issues.after this.
"Perhaps CEOs who have been reluctant to try the event before can register for this scaled back version and see how they go.
"I will miss the collegiate atmosphere of past events, and this may make the night more authentic, as it will be more lonely.
"However, I will not miss the snoring of some participants in the past".
Mr Lancaster said it was his eighth year taking part in the CEO Sleepout.
In that time he has raised almost $25,000 which he describes as a modest amount compared to Daniel Munk, of the Atser Group, or Roy Rogers, of Flagstaff.
But he knows every dollar is significant.
And that is why the more who take part the greater the support Vinnies will be able to provide the homeless.
Mr Lancaster has set himself a target of $5000 in 2020 and is hoping to break through the $30,000 mark for his overall eight year total.
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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.
