Australia's chief executives, senior business people and community leaders are being invited to participate in the 2012 Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday June 21.
It has been six years since the annual charity event started in Sydney and 2010 marked the year it went national. Over its time, it has raised millions of dollars to fight the problem of homelessness on the country's streets and provide aid to those who live without shelter.
To participate, CEOs and other business leaders need to spend a night sleeping in the cold winter streets on June 21 - the idea is for them to really understand what it feels like to be without a home.
By getting involved, they also commit to fundraising for the cause. Last year the collective efforts of CEOs saw them raise $1 million before they even spent the night on the streets.
For 2012, organisers are hoping to raise $5 million and efforts will focus on changing people's perceptions of homelessness.
So far many prominent leaders from around the country have registered, including Westpac's Gail Kelly and Aaron McKie from Hungry Jack's Australia.
Ms Kelly said that she is pleased to have this chance to show her support for the cause.
"I'm extremely proud to be part of an event which raises awareness of homelessness in Australia," she said in a statement on May 28.
"It is disturbing that almost 34,000 young people under the age of 18 are experiencing homelessness. The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is an opportunity to use funds raised to create programs to help prevent this problem."
For the organisers of this charity event, the St Vincent de Paul Society, the high number of women and children forced to live without a home has been a large focus of many previous fundraising drives.
The national chief executive of the society, Dr John Falzon, said that if children start out homeless this could impact negatively on their future.
"Children in homeless families are more at risk of experiencing disadvantage and homelessness over their lifetime," he explained.
So far a total of 850 CEOs are registered, according to a tally on the website. Together, they have already raised $1,035,849 to date. Leading the way is New South Wales, with 227 registrations and $241, 101.
By heading to the webpage, employees can nominate their boss to register, or simply spread the word themselves among friends and family. There is also an option to donate online.
