Leaders locked in: Geelong Gaol hosts CEO Sleepout for homelessness

BUSINESS leaders and local politicians from around the region will spend a night in a cell inside the historic Geelong Gaol to raise funds for homelessness.

The CEO Sleepout will return on October 3 and will see participants locked inside the gaol for the evening.

The funds raised will support Lazarus Community Centre to provide meals, hygiene facilities, clothing and support services to those experiencing homelessness.

Chair Stephanie Davie, who will serve as watchman for the evening, said the involvement of local leaders demonstrates Geelong’s commitment to combating homelessness.

“When businesses and political leaders spend a night in a cell, it sends a powerful message about the importance of safe housing and support services,” she said.

“The money raised will directly help us continue our work providing dignity and hope to those doing it tough.”

Before participants swap their comfort for confinement and sleep in their prison cells for the evening, they will share a barbecue dinner and a ghost tour.

Lazarus relies on a team of mostly volunteers and generous donations to support the community.

Between 2023 and 2024, Lazarus served more than 14,000 meals, provided more than 2,700 showers, distributed more than 2,400 items of clothing and welcomed more than 500 new clients.

Community groups, individuals and organisations are invited to sponsor an attendee or make a donation to help support the cause.

For more information and to make a donation, head to sleep-out-for-the-homeless.raiselysite.com