Steadfast Group MD and CEO Robert Kelly and 14 other NSW insurance executives are seeking donations for homelessness services as they prepare for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout next month.

This year’s event is the 19th sleepout and more than $91 million has been raised nationally to support the St Vincent de Paul Society as it tackles homelessness in Australia. 

Mr Kelly, who will take part in his seventh sleepout, has so far raised $508,245. He has previously spoken of seeing his grandfather struggle with alcoholism and homelessness before gaining support from Vinnies at the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Sydney.

Also participating this year are Allianz MD Richard Feledy, Elders Insurance MD Daniel Binfield and Chubb Insurance Australia country president Peter Kelaher. They will join hundreds of business leaders at the June 20 sleepout.

Each participant is “challenged to use their connections and influence to make a difference in addressing homelessness”, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO Yolanda Saiz says.

“It plays an integral role in ensuring our services have the capacity to meet the growing need that exists in the community. No one should endure homelessness, everyone deserves a home.”

Last year’s event raised $8.9 million for Vinnies’ services, including access to food and accommodation, education, counselling, and employment and health services for some of the more than 122,000 homeless people across Australia. Almost 1500 executives participated.

Donations can be made here.