Am I a Philanthroprick?

This article is written as a response to a discussion that happened between friends after myself and others participated in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Sydney, last week. Perhaps it will help others understand why this is such a great example of how individuals can use their influence to contribute to something greater than themselves.

So rather than stew about that conversation , without questioning why anyone may have any objection to this form of philanthropy, I thought that I would put my thoughts into writing, as to the reasons why I participate each year in the CEO Sleepout.  

I hope you take the time to read it.

I missed last year, but participated in Melbourne in 2017 and Sydney in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Through my participation, the supporters of this St Vincent de Paul initiative have donated a total of close to $20,000. In total, for the 16 years that it has been running, the total raised across Australia is in excess of $72 million. All this money goes to the support of programs for the homeless.

Here are some reasons why I participate in this particular charity and am also actively supporting Youth inSearch, to help our youth rebuild their lives after often traumatic events that threw their life into chaos.

1. There is a huge need. Causes of homelessness are myriad and not the purpose of this article, so I wont go into it. Much of the problem is invisible, however. Rough sleepers are the tip of the iceberg. You can read more about it here

2. I can, so I do. If I have an ability to help a cause that I believe in, in a way that benefits others and I don't then I have to ask myself, "Why not?" I am doing this because I believe in the need to help those less fortunate, regardless of why they find themselves in their circumstances. 

3. It has always been important to me to invest my energy in something that is bigger than me. This problem is huge and affects the lives of so many. Not just the homeless, but all their family, all their friends. I am challenged in my own attitudes because I feel so hopeless, but at least I can use this event and campaign to do something about it.

4. Many families have their hidden tragedies and, were it not for group homes, good family homes with caring individuals, foster care programs and organisations like Vinnies, many more young people would be on the homeless count as well. In our own family, we have had situations that enabled Julie and I to provide a roof over the head of others in their time of dire need.

This is very personal to me...and very important.

5. It is a platform that enables philanthropy - on my own, there is no way that I could participate in a way that could raise $20K. Many of the people I meet on the night are the same. They are busy being consumed by the tyrannical nature of worklife. To be able to use the CEO sleepout website, donations platform and infrastructure of Vinnies is an opportunity that is beyond the reach of many, if not all of us.

6. When I go to the actual Sleepout, it could be perceived that I am simply being a Philanthroprick. For those that have not bothered to look into it, that may be a reasonable call, however just by scratching the surface with a bit of research into the actual event, critics will realise that participants walk away from the event with a much greater empathy and understanding of the actual problem, what actions we can take and what attitude adjustments we can make based on a broader perspective. 

As an example, in 2019, when we walked into the SCG, we were told where we needed to 'make up our bed'. A broad area outside on the concourse, exposed to the elements. The less brave among us, like me, chose a spot that was at least under a cover of some sort, so that we wouldn't get rained on. Many took their sheet of cardboard and slept completely out in the open; some even on the wet grass.  

On coming back inside, we were each given a 'persona' that we needed to adopt. I was given "Phillip: a 42 year old IT professional that had gone through divorce, job loss and a significant bout of depression". Now homeless, Phillip had developed severe depression and had lost his job. No income, no home, no family. Regardless of why, here was a person that in a short 12 month period had gone from happy with a family and home, to the complete reverse.

We were funneled into the queue for emergency accommodation and after I had filled in my form, waited in line for what seemed like an eternity, I was asked if I had been drinking. Upon saying yes, they said, "Sorry. We cannot tolerate alcohol or those that are under the effects of alcohol, for the safety of other residents. You will need to go to the Drug and Alcohol support team, over there." I went to that queue, filled in another form and waited. When I got to the front of the queue, they asked, "So Phillip, I notice that you are suffering from Depression and that you have been drinking. Is this correct?" I said yes. "I am sorry Phillip, but as you have depression, we need you to go to the Mental health support team, over there." This happened on 5 different occasions, by the end of which I was ready to smash someone's face in, as I was so angry at the way that I was being treated.  

The last stop in the chain was the Vinnies Soup Van, where they gave me a warm soup and some bread and provided me with a counsellor. Between us, we worked out a way to get me into emergency accommodation for the night. The whole experience was humbling and gave me a new sense of empathy and a much broader understanding of the problems faced by many of the homeless population.

I am a better person and more able to understand and assist because I do this each year. 

Having 1618 Senior business leaders and 47,554 individual supporters raise $8,776,853 so far this year is a mastercard moment:- Priceless

I hope that this extensive view of my thoughts helps to promote support for these sorts of events, rather than detraction.