BRISBANE CEOS BAND TOGETHER TO RAISE $645,000 FOR VINNIES

BRISBANE bosses braved temperatures as low as 12 degrees overnight and raised more than $645,000 for their efforts at the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

About 150 local business, community and government leaders slept on a sheet of cardboard beneath the Story Bridge in a bid to fight homelessness.

St Vincent de Paul Society will use the funds to directly support those in need through care packs, emergency assistance and build a domestic violence housing solution in North Brisbane.

Fonebox Group of Companies CEO Jordan Grives was recognised as the top fundraiser in Brisbane with a total of $58,067.

This year's event attracted the most female CEOs than ever before, with 56 female participants - up from 31 in 2015.

Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman took part in the Sleepout and says it was great to see growing support.

"More than 425 women participated nationally and almost a quarter were in Queensland," Fentiman says.

"Across Australia, 44 per cent of people who are homeless are women and a large number of women are homeless as a result of domestic violence.

"These women could be your mother, your sister, your daughter, your friend - any woman could be in this situation.

"It has been really inspiring to see so many fellow women leaders step up and raise awareness and important funds for this cause."

Vinnies provides crisis accommodation to individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as advocacy support, budgeting services, living skills programs, emergency relief, transitional housing and access to programs that help rebuild lives.

St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland CEO Peter Maher says the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has made a real difference in the lives of those who are experiencing homelessness.

"Brisbane's business, community and government leaders rose to the challenge to raise much needed funds to help Vinnies provide immediate relief to people in crisis, and to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness," Maher says.

Image: Brisbane Broncos Football Club Jharal Yow Yeh, Seven Network news presenter Bill McDonald, Southern Cross Austereo general manager Richard Barker and GOA Billboards joint managing director Chris Tyquin.