Not your average corporate box!

Not your average corporate box!

Business leaders, politicians and celebrities swapped their home comforts for a concrete floor to raise awareness and money for Auckland’s homeless last night. The 61 participants who slept rough in AUT University’s city campus have collectively raised $123,470 so far, with some individuals receiving donations close to $10k.

Organisers of the LIFEWISE Big Sleepout, now in its third year, would like to thank all those who generously donated.

The participants endured wind, rain and downright uncomfortable conditions in good humour for this important cause. Homelessness is not an issue isolated to a small section of society, anybody can have an unforeseen change of circumstances leaving them vulnerable – even the people who volunteered their time last night.

Vernon Sorenson, a LIFEWISE success story, had only one word to say to all those who took part – “thanks”. Vernon made a video story about his time being homeless and how LIFEWISE helped and supported him to get him off the streets. He was on hand to chat to participants about his experiences.

LIFEWISE General Manager, John McCarthy, says the total raised reflects the incredible efforts put in by the group. “We’ve seen some very competitive behaviour to raise funds this year surpassing previous years of total funds raised.

“I’d personally like to thank each and every one of the group for sticking it out and not heading home even though their cardboard mattress offered little padding from the cold and there was minimal protection from the rain.”

It is anticipated that the total will rise over the coming few days as participants talk about their ‘rough sleeping’ experience with family, friends and colleagues.

“As well as thanking the 61 individuals involved, I’d like to acknowledge the support of AUT University. Not only did they host the event in Hikuwai Plaza, but once again Vice Chancellor Derek McCormack was also one of the 61 brave people sleeping outside.”

Who took part:

Name

Company / Organisation

Agnes Naera

Rotary Club of Auckland

Alex Swney

Heart of the City

Alin Ungureanu

Oceania Group

Ana Samways

NZHerald

Andrew Harris

Blackcat Consulting Ltd

Andrew L'Almont

Baptist Savings

Anya Merryfield

WE'AR Yogo Clothing & Street Wear

Astar

Good Morning TVNZ

Bek Wall

DTR

Bruce Stone

Airedale Property Trust

Chris Morrison

All Good Bananas

Claire Balfour

Mclsaac Caregiving Agency

Clr Cathy Casey

Auckland Council Councillor

David MacGregor

MacGregor Media

Debbie Turton

Vodafone New Zealand

Denise Roche

Green Party

Derek McCormack

AUT University

Eric Young

Prime News

Geoff Perry

Faculty of Business and Law AUT University

Gill Stewart

The Radio Bureau

Graeme Russell

Adage Business & Media Services

Hans Van de Stelt

ASB Bank Ltd

Helen Amituana'i

Mighty River Power

Ina Ivanova

Century Yuasa

Jacinda Ardern

Labour Party

Jack Hoult

95bFM

Jane Hitchfield

The Radio Bureau

Jayson Bryant

UnScrewed

Jesse Chalmers

Auckland Council Waitemata Local Board

Julian Smith

MYOB New Zealand

Lisa Traill

CAANZ

Marc Ellis

MORE FM

Marko den Breems

Jasmax Architects

Martyn Levy

2 degrees Mobile

Matai Smith

Good Morning TVNZ

Melina Schamroth

m.a.d.woman

Michael Richardson

GABA

Michael Stanley

Vodafone New Zealand

Michael Stowers

Stowers Chartered Accountants

Mike Goss

2 degrees Mobile

Moana Mackey

Labour Party

Murray Sheard

The Kitchen

Neil Whittaker

Fuji Xerox NZ

Nick Jones

IAG

Pauline Stockhausen

Stockhausens (represented by Liz Quilty)

Penny Hulse

Auckland Council Deputy Mayor

Pete Hodkinson

New Zealand Union of Students Associations

Pippa Coom

Auckland Council Waitemata Local Board

Poto Williams

Waves Trust

Richard Hills

Auckland Council Kaipatiki Local Board

Rick Boven

Stakeholder Strategies Limited

Russell Little

Leadership New Zealand Trust

Sarah Ibbs

APPCO Group Support

Sarah Trotman

Faculty of Business and Law AUT University

Simon Bennett

The Madison Group

Simon Diprose

The Projection Link

Tony Falkenstein

Just Water International Limited

Tuhi Leef

Aotearoa Credit Union

Vaughn Davis

The Goat Farm Ltd

Vedran Babic

Fisher Funds Management

ENDS

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