By XAVIER SMERDON
A WESTERN suburbs chief executive swapped his bed for two pieces of cardboard last week as he took part in an event aimed at raising money and awareness for homeless people.
Daniel Marriott from Optimum Solar, which services Wyndham, was one of around 130 business leaders that participated in the CEO Sleepout last Thursday night.
The money raised went to the St Vincent de Paul Society to help fund their welfare work.
Mr Marriott took part in the event with fellow director Thinh Dau.
He told Star during the event that he wanted to be involved because he saw it as a way to give back to the community.
“It’s all about community involvement and we wanted to show that that we’re involved in helping people in more ways than one,” Mr Marriott said.
“We’re only really doing one night of what homeless people do every night.”
The temperature dropped to about three degrees during the event, giving the CEOs a glimpse of what homeless people endure during the winter months.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria State President, Tony Tome, said the Sleepout was one of the Society’s most impactful fundraising initiatives.
“It’s hard to understand just how challenging it is for the 22,000 Victorians sleeping rough every night, however the Vinnies CEO Sleepout provides business and community leaders with a small glimpse of life out in the cold,” Mr Tome said.
“This event not only raises vital funds to support our homelessness services, it puts the spotlight on the issue to remind us that it’s everyone’s responsibility. No child, woman or man should be living in such dire conditions, and the support of our business community is key to driving the charge against homelessness.”
