By Olivia Condous
A Melton business leader is making a statement in support of those who are experiencing homelessness by sleeping out in the cold.
Morgan’s IGA Melton managing director Neal Morgan is taking part in Vinnies CEO Sleepout, a fundraiser that has CEOs, business owners as well as community and government leaders sleep outside during winter and raise money to donate to St Vincent de Paul.
Mr Morgan said he was motivated to take part after witnessing “very confronting” homelessness in his own community.
“In recent years our business has been confronted with rough sleepers in nearby amphitheatres, parks and gardens, and it became apparent to me that the solution isn’t as simple as moving them on,” Mr Morgan said.
“There is a deeper issue that needs to be addressed by the entire community to help these people from the outset.”
Mr Morgan will take part in the in-person event on June 23 in Port Melbourne, where attendees will learn about homelessness from first-hand accounts before sleeping outside in the cold.
“I have no expectations and I’m prepared for a reality check,” Mr Morgan said.
He has raised $6125 so far for the cause through his page on the Vinnies CEO Sleepout website.
The money raised from the CEO Sleepout will go towards helping to provide those who are experiencing homelessness with crisis accommodation, food, healthcare, counselling, education, employment and support to find a permanent home.
“As a community, we need to get to the root of the problem,” Mr Morgan said.
