Australian CEO reaches record breaking donation goal

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.

Christofi, Founder and CEO of property investment and finance group Reventon, slept rough last night 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 counting.

Following this year’s Sleepout, Christofi plans to build a house with the funds raised and auction it off, giving all proceeds to St Vincent de Paul.

Chris Christofi, Founder and CEO of Reventon

“I’m ecstatic to have reached my goal. With the money raised, Vinnies will deliver three mobile kitchens, increase homelessness services at Ozanam House and Quin House by funding almost 50 extra beds and wraparound support for those needing accommodation, as well as help volunteer-run services continue to provide food, petrol, utilities support and other material aid.

“Homelessness can happen to anyone; it can be nothing more than an unfortunate set of circumstances. 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.”

“I’m proud to have completed my fifth CEO Sleepout and am already setting donation goals for next year.”

Current Homeless Statistics

• Every year 116,427 people experience homelessness in Australia on any given night. 

• More than 24,000 Victorians – including families with children, young people, older people, single adults, people with disabilities, people in regional and rural Victoria and people in urban neighbourhoods – are homeless on any given night.

• 256,000 people sleep rough in Australia each night - Sleeping rough can refer to anyone being homeless, sleeping in parks, or squatting in derelict buildings for temporary shelter. People sleeping rough are some of the most vulnerable in society. 

• The fastest-growing cohort is single women over the age of 55.

• 15,800 are children younger than 12 years old. Just under 500 children will experience the harshest form of homelessness, relying on parks, bus shelters or shop fronts for warmth.

• Over the last four years (2018-2021), the rate of homelessness has increased by 13.7%

Chris’ Fundraising Record

About the Vinnies CEO Sleepout

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a one-night event over one of the longest and coldest nights of the year. Hundreds of CEOs, business owners as well as community and government leaders sleep outdoors to support the many Australians who are experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness. Each CEO Sleepout participant commits to raising a minimum amount of funds to help Vinnies provide essential services to the people who need them. To find out your state's target, click here.

In 2021, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout raised over $9.3 million for people experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness. This year we can make an even bigger impact. Register now for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout or make a donation today.

About Chris Christofi

Chris is a multi award winning entrepreneur, international speaker, property investor, philanthropist and best selling author. Growing up with a strong work ethic in a Cypriot family, Chris owned eight properties by the age of 24, only to lose them all when the partnership collapsed. He went on to start his business, Reventon, from his parents house at the age of 25 with $348,000 worth of debt.

Reventon is one of Australia's most well known property and finance companies, having helped more than 3,000 people buy property.  Services include property investment, mortgage & finance and tax & accounting. 

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