Prominent insurance chiefs have once again signed up to the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout fundraiser, now in its 16th year and held over one of the coldest nights of the year to support Australians vulnerable to homelessness.

Hundreds of CEOs and community and government leaders elect to sleep outdoors, with each committed to raising a minimum amount of funds.

Steadfast CEO Robert Kelly is preparing for his fourth Vinnie’s Sleepout on June 21 after raising a whopping $100,000 last year.

“I will be spending the night sleeping on the concrete at White Bay Cruise Terminal in Sydney,” Mr Kelly said.

“For me this will be for one night but for more than 116,000 Australians, this is their reality every night. You can help combat homelessness and poverty across Australia by making a tax deductible donation,” he said.

Marsh Head of Risk Management Asia & Pacific Scott Leney has registered for his seventh sleepout after racking up an impressive $42,526 a year ago.

“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” he said. “Let’s fight against homelessness and make a difference together.”

Mr Leney has introduced a “555 challenge” in which participants run or walk five kilometres, donate at least $5 to his Vinnies fundraising page and nominate five more people to take on the challenge.

CEO of lenders mortgage insurance at QBE Phil White, has committed to his sixth sleepout after raising more than $20,000 last year, while Perth’s Kim Gilbert, director at Zenith Insurance Services, has registered for the 10th time after raising more than $14,500 in 2020.

Willis Towers Watson CEO Simon Weaver has signed up for the second time after raising $9,000 in his inaugural Sleepout, as has AIG Australia CEO Nigel Fitzgerald, who raised more than $11,000 last year.

Mr Fitzerald says the Sleepout was “one of the most powerful things I’ve done to understand what homeless people endure living out on the streets”.

Melbourne-based Rob Viney, branch manager at Insurance House/PSB Insurance Brokers, is aiming to raise $20,000 this year.

Last year, a virtual Sleepout in which many CEOs slept in their cars and backyards due to COVID raised $5.7 million for Vinnies’ services across Australia.

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