As the temperature begins to cool many retreat to the warmth of their nice warm homes, however not everyone is fortunate enough to have a roof over their heads this winter.
Every year hundreds of chief executives, business owners, community and government leaders sleep outdoors amongst the elements to support and raise awareness for the thousands of Australians who experience homelessness every day.
Lakeside Fresh IGA store owner Matthew Pham will be taking part in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout for the third time.
For Mr Pham it is a humbling experience and a reminder of what he was fortunate to have.
“I have learnt that it doesn’t get any easier to sleep out in the cold,” he said.
“I remember on both occasions thinking ‘I can do this, I can brave the cold’ and other moments in the night thinking ‘gee this is going to be hard, I don’t know if I can make it through’.”
He said it was an eye-opening experience that really put things into perspective.
“During the night you’re awakened by the wind blowing past your face or the noise of police sirens in the background and all of these little things add up to make your sleep uncomfortable,” he said.
“The sleep-out is only a glimpse of what the homeless have to go through every night.”
Mr Pham is hoping to raise $5000 this year, beating his previous fundraising total of $3194.
This year’s event will take place from 6pm June 27 to 6am June 28 at the WACA grounds.
To donate to Matthew’s total visit the website.
