Wests Illawarra boss Daniel Munk prepares to sleep in the cold to help the homeless

Mr Munk's motivation is to raise as much as he can to help the homeless but unfortunately he doesn't expect to get anything near the total he has achieved in recent years.

In 2019 he collected more than $29,000 to help many people doing it tough in the Illawarra. But in the wake of the coronavirus he only set himself an initial target of $7000 this year.

"Everyone I would normally be talking to have all had a very interesting three to four months," he said.

"But people in the Illawarra are very community minded and that does make asking for donations a little easier".

Mr Munk has already passed his first goal and is increasing the target in $1000 intervals as he prepares to sleep out in the cold in his own backyard on June 18.

The Aster Group chief executive has averaged more than $25,000 a year and raised more than $140,000 since he started six years ago. But knows he couldn't have done that without so much generous support from so many people at Wests Illawarra and other parts of the group.

Mr Munk said everyone knows someone finding it difficult to makes ends meet and he is motivated to raise as much as he can to help as many as he can.

But he said he couldn't do it without the generosity of so many people.

"All the teams at the Aster Group have got behind it and the members of Wests Illawarra are being so supportive. As are the lady golfers at Port Kembla," he said.

"Our staff have also been getting involved with the food van to help feed the homeless".

Saint Vincent de Paul Society reported in 2019 that Illawarra and Shoalhaven businessmen and women participating in the last CEO Sleepout raised more than $125,000 for homeless people in the region.

"But this year expectations are a lot lower," Mr Munk said.

"Vinnie's target last year was over $7 million and this year it is $2.5 which highlights the impact COVID-19 has had on all charities".

Unfortunately that fundraising challenge comes at a time when resources are stretched further because of a higher demand for assistance with more people out of work.

"I can only imagine what it must be like to be homeless at this time," Mr Munk said.

And with everyone thinking how tough the last 12 to 16 weeks has been e thinks the community may have more appreciation for what the homeless experience 365 days a year.

Mr Munk said people find themselves homeless after being impacted by an event.

And now as a result of COVID-19 so many in the community have a greater understanding of what it is like to suddenly find yourself out of work.

"Unfortunately if this recession is going to be as bad as believed we really need to be thinking about being as charitable as we can be if we are in a position where we can give," Mr Munk said.

This year CEO Sleepout participants won't be tackling the cold outdoors in a group.

"It will be a different experience not being able to do it in a social setting this year," Mr Munk said.

"I am learning how to make sure I enjoy a swag in my backyard. And I think my wife will enjoy locking me out there.

"But seriously I would say to people reading this Illawarra Mercury story that if ever there was a time to think about others, it is now".

Mr Munk is challenging other CEO's to take part and won't mind not finishing first because that will mean more money is raised for the homeless.

He said it is good to have a chance to talk about homelessness at this time.

"No-one has been untouched by this pandemic and everyone is thinking about where their future is. But unfortunately at times like this the homeless issue can become invisible. The CEO Sleepout is a reminder that there are a growing number of people with nowhere to sleep and no food to eat".

Daniel Munk's fundraising link for the 2020 Vinnies CEO Sleepout

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