St Vincent de Paul Society is hoping to raise over $6 million from this year’s CEO Sleepout.

At major locations across the country, business leaders and politicians will brave the cold and sleep rough tonight to raise money for homelessness services.

13 years ago #CEOSleepoutAU founder @bernardfehon had a great idea to engage CEOs to help raise funds for Vinnies. 116,000 Australians experience homelessness each night. Tonight our CEOs will learn more about the issue and raise vital funds. Donate https://t.co/CFz91IVAs8 pic.twitter.com/MjHzTdb9NE

— Vinnies (@VinniesNSW) June 21, 2018

NSW Vinnies CEO Jack de Groot tells Ross Greenwood we’ve seen an increase in the number of young Australians experiencing homelessness.

“It’s the terrible plight that young people are facing.

“Homelessness is a real issue in a city like Sydney… let alone the 116,000 Australians facing it tonight.”

Mr de Groot says around 330 CEOs are participating in Sydney tonight, lending their influence to an important cause.

Click PLAY below for the full interview

CEO of Bupa Australia Richard Bowden says he was inspired to get involved after a reading a story about a young woman who was forced to sleep on the streets after her relationship broke down.

“I must admit it challenged some prejudice I had about homelessness,” he tells Ross Greenwood.

“What you learn is there’s actually lots and lots of stories and lots and lots of circumstances.”

Click PLAY below to hear from Richard Bowden

You can donate to the CEO Sleepout here

Image: NSW Vinnies Twitter