Newcastle Knights CEO Matt Gidley is preparing to take part in the CEO Sleepout held on Thursday night, the 10th anniversary of the event.
Approximately 105,000 Australians experience homelessness every night, and the CEO Sleepout aims to raise funds and awareness for those who sleep on the streets.
Gidley will join other CEOs such as Gordon Laffan of Stockton Bowling Club when he spends a night at Hunter Stadium with not much more than a beanie and a sleeping bag.
This will be the third time Gidley participates in the event, and it is something he looks forward to every year.
“It gives a real insight into homelessness, albeit in the safe environment of Hunter Stadium,” Gidley said at the media launch in April.
“Although we struggle to get to sleep in the cold under our piece of cardboard, at least we're in the confines of the stadium and a lot of people don't have that luxury.
“Particularly coming into the winter months it's something I think about often... it's unfortunate that a lot of men, women and children are forced out onto the streets due to circumstances not under their control.
“If we can help them get some funds and some awareness, that would be a wonderful outcome.”
Over the past ten years more than $24 million has been raised for Vinnies homeless and support services across the nation.
The 2015 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will take place on Thursday 18 June 2015. For more information visit www.ceosleepout.org.au or CLICK HERE to donate to Matt's CEO Sleepout.
