The Sun International CEO SleepOut is part of a global movement, effecting positive social change for vulnerable and homeless communities.
The CEO Sleepout asks current and future business leaders to spend a winter’s night on the streets, raising funds and empathy for the homeless, and resulting in real change around the world. Founded in Australia 10 years ago, The CEO SleepOut is now a global initiative, with SleepOuts taking place in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom & here in South Africa too.
“South Africa is our home, and it’s our responsibility to stand up for those without one. Shelter, nutrition, healthcare and education are basic human rights.”
In 2015 247 of South Africa’s preeminent CEOs, captains of industry and influencers, supported by partners, sponsors, friends and the media, gathered under African stars on a chilly winter night united by a common cause – to shine a light on homelessness in our country. Discussions were had, corporate policies were changed and more than R26-million was raised, making The CEO SleepOut 2015 the most successful single fund-raising event in South Africa. Profits blended with purpose – capitalism with a conscience. Shared understanding and empathy created much-needed ripples of change.
In 2016 they’re turning ripples into waves as we quadruple our ambition, impact and change. Not only are they positioned to raise double the amount, but this year they are calling upon the entire country to stand, hand-in-hand, beside our homeless and vulnerable to raise awareness, raise funds and raise the flag that will rally an entire nation as a force for good.
In 2016 they’re adding focus. It is our core belief that nobody should ever be homeless. Using the five global brand pillars of Shelter, Nutrition, Healthcare, Education and Community to create a bridge for those less fortunate to walk towards opportunities and assistance, this year’s focus will be on Education. Education provides the stepping-stones from have-not to have, and it is the most important, sustainable factor to make families and South Africa self-sufficient.
“The CEO SleepOut 2016 is bigger, bolder and more inclusive, encouraging every South African to #RISETOTHECHALLENGE, and change the world for those citizens most in need of it.”
The Sun International CEO SleepOut 2016 will take place on the 28th of July on the Nelson Mandela Bridge and the champions will be calling CEO’s across South Africa to rise to the challenge and participate in this year’s event which aims to raise R40million.
It is leading the new wave of philanthropy and social entrepreneurship, where profits are being used for purpose, and leaders are inspiring others to find compassion and sustainable solutions for those who need it most.
This year, The CEO SleepOut funds will go towards enabling communities through education – the vital step on the road to eradicating homelessness.
As South Africa’s current and future business leaders commit to spending a winter’s night on the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge, as part of The Sun International CEO SleepOut, colleagues, employees, staff, supporters and friends can also SleepOut™ at their own premises for whats being called the “Sympathy SleepOut”, in solidarity showing that all #SOUTHAFRICAMUSTRISE.
Hand-in-hand South Africans are RISING TO THE CHALLENGE to create awareness, pay empathy forward and craft a new dawn for South Africa. Hand-in-hand we will mobilise a movement of socially innovative change that will forever alter the landscape of sustainable giving across our nation. Hand-in-hand we will win, together, the right way.
Get involved!
