CEO sleeps rough

Mr Heeney said he was alarmed to hear that more than 42 people in the region were homeless — and more than 1300 people were living in poverty in the Benalla area.

‘‘As business leaders it’s important to do all we can to highlight the plight of the most vulnerable members of our community,’’ Mr Heeney said.

‘‘Through our actions and fundraising efforts, we hope to help to improve the lives of people who live within our communities.’’

The funds raised will assist the St Vincent De Paul Society with projects across Victoria.

Mr Heeney said the CEO Sleepout allowed participants to hear first-hand from people experiencing homelessness.

‘‘The most profound part of this experience has been meeting people who are experiencing homelessness and hearing their stories,’’ he said.

‘‘Last night was the first time I have slept rough, and it was extremely cold.

‘‘For me it was one night, but the hard part is knowing that there are people in our community who do this every night with nothing.

‘‘It really makes you consider the people in our society who experience homelessness.

‘‘To better understand homelessness, I met some students from Berry Street who were willing to share their stories with me, all of which were profound.

‘‘The challenges that these students experience were far beyond what many of us experience or understand.

‘‘That is why this initiative is so important, obviously to raise funds, but importantly to raise awareness.

‘‘I found the whole experience to be truly humbling and I’m glad to have done my part in highlighting this issue, and in raising much-needed funds.

‘‘I sincerely thank those who contributed to this cause as part of my experience.’’

This year the fundraising goal is $1.1million and Mr Heeney is calling on industry, business, community organisations and individuals to donate.

●If you would like to donate, visit www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/travisheeney/melbourne