Vice-Chancellor raises $44,000 to support Adelaide’s homeless

The University of Adelaide’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Peter Høj AC, has raised more than $44,000 to provide support services and meals for homeless people, as part of his participation in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout held last night in Adelaide.

On a wet and wintery night at Lot Fourteen, Professor Høj joined other community and business leaders at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, raising funds for and awareness of homelessness.

Professor Høj led the State’s fundraising efforts, and to date has raised $44,004. These funds represent 139 individual support programs, 366 beds, and 1466 meals for homeless people in the community.

“After spending just one night on Adelaide’s streets in winter, it is still difficult to imagine what it would be like to sleep rough night after night in such bleak conditions. Unfortunately, that is the reality for many people in our community, and they desperately need help,” Professor Høj says.

As the top fundraiser for the South Australian event, Professor Høj was given the keys to sleep in the ‘Vinnies van’, but instead he chose to auction the vehicle to raise more money.

“Given the amount of rain last night, the thought of sleeping in the van was tempting – but that’s not what this event is about. I was happy to auction it, and hopefully spare someone the need to sleep rough on the streets or in their own car,” he says.

“I was happy to auction it [the van], and hopefully spare someone the need to sleep rough on the streets or in their own car.”Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President

“I am proud to, along with more than a hundred other people sleeping out for this event in South Australia, have helped raise a record amount for the SA Vinnies CEO Sleepout this year.

“I thank the many people who have donated to support the Sleepout, irrespective of the amount donated.

“By participating in the CEO Sleepout and by making my own personal donation to the cause, I hope I’m able to play a small part in raising awareness of this issue, and in helping to support the excellent work of Vinnies SA,” he says.

If you would like to support Professor Høj’s or somebody else’s efforts to raise funds for homeless services in Adelaide, visit the Vinnies CEO Sleepout webpage.

Professor Høj says his decision to participate in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout was an easy one to make.

“Having come back to Adelaide after eight years, and walking to work quite early through the city, it seemed to me that more people were sleeping on the streets than I’ve ever seen before. That speaks to the extreme vulnerability of people who need genuine care and support in their lives,” he says.

“I am concerned that the real problem in the community is likely to be even deeper than what we see on the streets.”

Donations can be made to this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout until the end of July 2021.