LEADING Australian entrepreneur and philanthropist Chris Christofi has achieved his ambitious record-breaking goal to raise $250,000 for people experiencing homelessness following the Vinnies CEO Sleepout which took place at the Port Melbourne Timber Yard last night, 23 June.
Mr Christofi, founder and CEO of property investment and finance group Reventon, slept rough as part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout for the fifth year in a row.
He has now raised more than $555,000 for the charity since 2018.
This year, he has raised a total of $259,110 and donations continue to come in.
“I’m ecstatic to have reached my goal,” Mr Christofi said.
“With the money raised, Vinnies will deliver three mobile kitchens, and increase homelessness services at Ozanam House and Quin House by funding almost 50 extra beds and wraparound support for those needing accommodation.
“It will also help volunteer-run services continue to provide food, petrol, utilities support and other material aid,” Mr Christofi added.
The CEO said he was proud to have completed his fifth CEO Sleepout and is already setting donation goals for next year.
“Homelessness can happen to anyone; it can be nothing more than an unfortunate set of circumstances,” Mr Christofi said.
“I experienced financial hardship in the early days of my career and I’m acutely aware that it could easily have been me if I didn’t have the support of my family.”
Following this year’s Sleepout, Christofi plans to build a house, and all proceeds of the sale of the house will be donated to St Vincent de Paul Victoria.
You can find out more about his Brick by Brick Campaign by visiting: https://my.fundraiseforvinniesvic.org.au/brick-by-brick-campaign
