“For one night, your home will be on the street. While this does not begin to simulate the reality of South Africa’s most vulnerable children, it is a show of solidarity and a commitment to use business as a force for change unlike anything South Africa has seen before.” – www.theceosleepoutza.co.za
Sleeping on the streets
The sleepout initiative is the brainchild of Australian businessman, Bernard Fehon who coordinated the first sleepout ten years ago. There have been successful events held in various parts of the world and this year South Africa joined the ranks, with our CEOs stepping up to the plate.
On 18 June 2015, the first South African CEO SleepOut was held in Sandton, Johannesburg. Over 246 CEO’s pledged their support, collectively securing a sum of R22.6 million for Girls & Boys Town.
Roger O’ Callaghan, CEO of Babcock International’s Africa division rose to the challenge. Roger traded his warm bed for a cardboard mattress and sleeping bag for the night. Hats off to all the CEO’s who braved the cold to show their support and solidarity for the plight of South Africa’s homeless. To hear what some CEOs had to say the day after the event click here.
Next year’s event promises to be even bigger with organisers planning to host CEO SleepOut events in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
