July 2024
We sat down with CATO’s MD Kieran Cato to hear first-hand about his experience sleeping rough on the streets of Sydney recently for Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout and found out how the experience had changed him.
Q: Kieran, you’ve just completed your fourth consecutive Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout in Sydney. What was this year’s experience like for you?
A: Well, this year was as eye-opening as ever. Sleeping rough in Sydney always brings a stark reminder of the challenges faced by homeless individuals every day. Although this year, unlike others, was different. I set out with a goal of broadening my network, to invite current and up and coming leaders to join me on the night to raise greater awareness for homelessness. I was overjoyed with 8 new participants, among them was fellow CATO leader Anna. It’s inspiring to see their commitment to making a difference by spending one night sleeping rough.
Q: How has the experience changed your perspective?
A: Before participating, homelessness didn’t fully resonate with me as something that could affect people so similar to you and I. Many facing homelessness are professionals – even lawyers – who have encountered life challenges leading them to loose family connections and their homes. Witnessing this first-hand made me realise how swiftly circumstances can change.
Q: What was the most inspiring story you heard that made you want to participate in the CEO Sleepout?
A: My initial introduction to Vinnie’s was through my mum, who passionately worked with Vinnie’s to help disadvantaged individuals. Over time, the CEO Sleepout challenged me and made me want to understand more deeply. But above all, I was struck by how individuals experiencing homelessness maintained dignity and perseverance in their job searches week after week.
Q: What have you valued most from your experience of the CEO Sleepout?
A: For me, it’s been the network and awareness piece. Being able to raise awareness not only through my own connections but also through the 8 new leaders who joined our ‘Limitless Leaders’ group has been invaluable.
Q: How much have you raised so far and what was your goal?
A: This year, our ‘Limitless Leaders’ group raised over $31,000. It’s an incredible contribution that will support Vinnie’s in providing vital assistance to people experiencing homelessness.
Since 2020, CATO has raised close to $60,000 to help end the cycle of homelessness. With over 122,000 people without a home in Australia and 40% of them women or children, this issue is becoming increasingly urgent. Fortunately, there’s still time to donate in 2024. Please join us in supporting this great cause. Every bit helps to make a significant impact in the lives of those who need it most. Donate now and help us make a difference!
Donate to Kieran: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/kierancato/nsw-24
Donate to Anna:
https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/annarosa/nsw-24
Jack started with CATO close to ten years ago, initially as a traffic controller and barricader, before his natural progression into CATO’s unit division as assistant and now manager.
On Tuesday 18th June, CATO was honoured to have attended the NSW Business Awards ceremony held at Sydney Town Hall. The ceremony was attended by Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney among other distinguished guests to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Sydney’s most innovative business leaders.
Darrell Budd joined CATO in August 2022, quickly becoming an invaluable supervisor and developer of people within our traffic team.
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