Michael Schulz joins TRMC Vinnies CEO Sleepout team

Michael Schulz, the general manager at SOS Print + Media, has joined The Real Media Collective’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout team which is raising money and awareness about the plight faced by homeless people.

Schulz took part in the fundraiser last year and raised $6000. This year he will join veteran sleepout sleeper, Rodney Frost, to sleep rough on the coldest night of the year – June 23.

“I experienced my first CEO Sleepout in 2021 and it was an incredible eye-opener for me. This is a
terrific cause and the actual night is one I highly recommend people become involved in, very
informative and resonates with the reason we are all behind this important charity,”
Schulz said.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout involves hundreds of CEOs, business owners, community and government leaders sleeping outdoors, without shelter, to support Australians who are experiencing homelessness.

Each participant commits to raising a minimum amount of funds to help Vinnies provide products and
services to those in need, and The Real Media Collective has formed an industry team.

TRMC CEO Kellie Northwood first participated in the CEO Sleepout in 2011 and subsequently in 2012 and 2014.

“We are aiming to have at least one industry representative in each State and Territory. So far, we
have Melbourne and Sydney covered – that’s a call out for our members across Brisbane, Hobart,
Adelaide, Perth and the territories – come and join the team and let’s raise some good monies for a
great cause. Our industry has a history of great generosity and coming together to raise money for a
good cause can only be a good thing,” Northwood said.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 116,000 Australians are experiencing
homelessness. Of these, 60 per cent are under 35, 44 per cent are women and 13 per cent are under
12 years old.

Long time CEO Sleepout campaigner, Rodney Frost, Chief Executive Officer, The
Lamson Group, is also on the team. Frost has been involved in the initiative for 14 years and in that time has raised over $150,000 for the cause.

“Driven from our family’s past, I am a huge supporter of this charity and this event. I call on all
readers, to consider being a part of it and to experience a night they will never forget. We want the
leaders of our industry to come together and be part of the team. Reach out, I’m more than happy
to share my experience of being involved,” Frost said.

On the night, participants will learn about homelessness in Australia, the work that Vinnies does and
how businesses and communities can play large roles in reducing homelessness. Participants will
also engage with those who have been homeless, learning about their struggles and experiences.
Then it is time to head out and see what it is like to sleep outside in the cold.

Leading up to the event, participants will gather support and raise money. These donations will help
Vinnie’s local, volunteer-run services provide food, accommodation, utilities and essential services
to people at risk and experiencing homelessness.

“If you are unable to Sleepout, you can still support this industry initiative and donate to the team.
Every dollar helps, please give generously. We will be giving a shout out to our supporters as we
progress and are looking to run some live feeds on the night across the country,” said
Northwood.

To register interest to Sleepout, contact hello@thermc.com.au.
If you can’t make the Sleepout – please donate to the team by clicking here.

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