Sleeping Outside On A Strip Of Cardboard On A Winter’s Night Was A Privilege
Benjamin Haslem (pictured below and lead image), director of media and public affairs at Icon Agency recently participated in Vinnies annual CEO sleep-out. Here he chats about the experience he described as a “privilege”…
It’s easy to be cynical. I know because I was.
Well-heeled CEOs and other business leaders ‘sleeping out’ to raise money for the homeless – over $8.6 million this year – is clearly a great outcome; especially given the current housing and cost-of-living crisis enveloping Australia.
Icon Agency’s Benjamin Haslem
But for mine, there was always a sense that this wasn’t exactly ‘sleeping rough’, and it all bordered on being slightly patronising. Privileged people claiming to experience homelessness as they networked and boasted on LinkedIn.
I couldn’t be more wrong.
In late-June, I participated in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout at Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal in Sydney’s inner-west.
It was one of the most inspiring things I have ever participated in. I met some remarkable people – both those who had experienced homelessness and those who helped them – and came away with a keener understanding of just how close many of us tread to ending up homeless.
But first, let’s explode a few myths – some of which I read about from cynical friends on social media, happy to fling brickbats at CEOs, who are apparently motivated only by a desire to score some more points on their never-ending quest to appear on the Australia Day honours list.
Apparently, these CEOs simply turn up. Their marketing team writes their LinkedIn posts and handles the fundraising. Participants also each receive a “commemorative fluffy pillow”, and most leave at 1.30 am under the cover of darkness.
I can’t speak for every attendee at White Bay, but I know all members of my #HealthforHomeless team had raised $78,880 off our own bats – hitting up friends, family and work colleagues through social media, emails, word-of-mouth or with posters stuck on office walls.
There were definitely no commemorative pillows, and when I ducked to the loo at 4.30 am, everyone was still there.
What we did receive was a 500ml cup of very delicious soup, a bread roll, a muesli slice, a bottle of water and two pieces of packing box cardboard – one to put between our sleeping bags and the concrete and one to fold in half to act as a shelter of sorts.
We slept outside but, fortunately, were protected from the persistent rain by the wide awning jutting over the terminal’s entrance. Camping or yoga mats were not permitted, but you could bring your own pillow and sleeping bag.
The rain meant Sydney had its ‘warmest’ night in several weeks – it only got down to about 11 degrees celsius – so we didn’t feel the cold. But our hips and shoulders certainly felt it as we tossed and turned in a vain attempt to feel comfortable.
But the sleeping element wasn’t what inspired me.
Shortly after arriving at about 6.30 pm, I sat in a circle of plastic chairs where I met James*. He had been helped by St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) to secure an apartment after sleeping in a tent next to the busy Chatswood Station on Sydney’s North Shore.
While sleeping rough, he still managed to attend a TAFE course in Building Design, relying on the WiFi from the local library to access course notes on his iPad.
James has now been offered a scholarship at the University of Sydney to study architecture.
He spoke of growing up with his mother, a victim of a violent relationship, and how she had relied on Vinnies for life’s basics. How his own life had unravelled because of mental health issues, and how he could now have his eight-year-old daughter visit and stay with him.
James recalled feeling humiliated as people walked past him each morning and afternoon on their way to and from work, avoiding his gaze. But there was no bitterness. Just optimism.
There was Stuart, now 21, who had been living rough with his younger sister – he was 18, and she was 13. Vinnies helped them find permanent housing, and he is now completing a law degree at the University of Technology, Sydney, while also caring for his sister as she completes high school.
A common sentiment of many of the former homeless people at the sleepout was that the thing that buoyed their spirits the most while sleeping rough was a stranger stopping to have a chat – simple human interaction was worth more than a two-dollar coin.
Others spoke of the fear – “sleeping with one eye open”.
But they all expressed one thing: their love for Vinnies and the people who work there. They were their angels.
I would like to thank my many friends, Icon colleagues and family who supported me – whether it was simply messages of good luck and well done, or a small donation.
There was no need to wish me good luck. It was my good luck to be invited to attend by my good friend and CEO Sleepout ambassador Warren Bingham. I felt privileged to be there.
If ever you get the chance to participate, please do.
And it’s not too late to donate: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/benjaminhaslem/nsw
*All names have been changed to protect privacy
Latest News
History Has Arrived: It’s The Cairns Crocodiles Inaugural Shortlist
Pen the acceptance speech and ready your best thongs and muumuu, because the Cairns Crocodiles shortlist has arrived.
PubMatic Study: Advertising On Retail Media Is 50% More Effective Than Social Media
PubMatic has released a new study examining the influence of digital media on shopper behaviour at the top and bottom of the funnel. The research found that retail websites are approximately 50 per cent more effective at driving a response from shoppers than social media. Commissioned by Inside Retail and conducted by PubMatic, 500 Australian […]
From MOWING to life GROWING: Jim Penman launches ‘Life Coaching’ services
Jim Penman, founder of the Jim’s Group, has officially launched Jim’s Life Coaching and intends to help millions of Australians live their best life. “Life coaching is a powerful and effective way to achieve success in business and personal life. It helps people to set their own goals, and then work out how to get there. It has […]
Budweiser Brazil Turns Songs That Name Drop The Iconic Brand Into Spotify Ads
Budweiser has created a new way of advertising on Spotify to ensure that ads don’t ruin the vibe of your favourite playlists. UninterruptAds: a pioneering initiative, converts songs that mention the brand’s name into targeted ads within the platform in Brazil. When the Brazilian team identified that their name is present in more than 500 tracks […]
Effie Worldwide Strengthens Board With 6 New Members
Effie Worldwide, has announced six new members to their Worldwide Board of Directors, alongside three new co-chairs of the Future Council; a powerful injection of fresh talent as the organization evolves across all its programs to expand its mission to champion marketing effectiveness. The Effie Board contributes to the non-profit’s mission to champion effectiveness through […]
Special Enlist A Penguin Named Nigel In Latest Energy Campaign For Contact
After introducing “Flatties” a couple of weeks ago, Contact and Special have now enlisted the help of rule-stickler penguin Nigel to motivate all Kiwis to reduce their energy consumption during peak hours. Contact is investing heavily in creating more renewable energy sources to lead the way in decarbonising New Zealand, but to make an even […]
Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth & George Miller Ignite Sydney For Epic Mad Max Launch
The global promotional tour for Universal’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world Academy Award-winning mastermind George Miller created 45 years ago, kicked off in epic fashion in Sydney yesterday. Anya Taylor-Joy returned to Australia, joining Chris Hemsworth, George Miller and producer Doug Mitchell at a fiery media call […]
IAS Launches First-To-Market Integration With Roblox To Provide 3D Immersive Measurement
Integral Ad Science, a global media measurement and optimization platform, today announced a market integration with Roblox, a global immersive platform for connection and communication. Available for advertising campaigns on Roblox later this year, IAS’s Viewability and Invalid Traffic (IVT) Measurement products will provide advertisers increased transparency into the quality of their Immersive Ads within […]
Fast And Furious: Top Gear Australia Launch Thrilled Motorheads, Car Entusiasts And Guests
B&T is still no closer to knowing who the new Stig is, except that she is a woman and a ridiculously fast.
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): Seven’s The 1% Club Wins The Night
The 1% club did not live up to its name when it comes to TV ratings last night.
TRA Welcomes Raft Of New Hires; Bolstering Expertise Across Markets
Insights and research agency TRA announces slew of new hires. Still no news on the return of marble wash denim, however.
CX Lavender Hires Boston Consulting Group’s Kim Verbrugghe as Chief Strategy Officer
CX Lavender announces new strategy hire and channels 'acoustic folk act at local RSL' for the publicity pic.
Opinion: Community standards, will they be the death of us?
This columnist is talking community standards. Sadly not those people who put dogs in trolleys in supermarkets.
Tegel gets heads bobbing with new free-range chicken platform
Sure, there's a lot of moral considerations when buying a chook. Yet, not as baffling as buying eggs or canned tuna.
Study: 66% of Aussie men believe masculinity is under attack
Two-thirds of Aussie blokes say masculinity's under attack. That said, sales of Solo lemon drink appear robust.
‘Equal Writes’: Canyon reveals new campaign and refreshed brand for women and non-binary writers
As this brand redesign again proves, nothing beats black on white. Well, white on black in this instance.
Icon Agency bolsters consumer and integrated offer with major hires
Icon Agency unveils new recruits. As press photo confirms office moustache competition now a lay-down misère.
Clemenger launches agricultural graduate program
Has Farmer Wants A Wife triggered an interest in dagging & hay balers? This grads program may resonate.
Levi’s Appoint UM As Global Media Agency For $217m Account
Levi's are the jeans for rockstars, models & the cool kids. Although that's not stopped dads from ruining their image.
QMS Nabs Sean Rigby From oOh!media
Things set to get spicy at the next Outdoor Media Association dinner and dance as a rival gets poached.
Bumble Reveals New Brand Identity To Usher In New Era Of Dating
It's ironic that all the dating apps market themselves as having no weirdos, freaks or mummy's boys like their rivals.
Stay In The House From Up! Airbnb Introduces Icons
Airbnb is now letting people stay in "iconic" places that sadly doesn't include the house from Silence Of The Lambs.
Changing The Conversation: The Role Of Media In Ending Violence Against Women
Governments are finally waking up to the DV crisis. Here, B&T chats with Jasmin Bedir on the role media can play.
“If You Want To Listen To Something Else, Go For It”: Fifi Box On Blocking Out The Noise & Focussing On What Works
No one is at the coal face of Melbourne radio like Fifi Box. Here, she chats with B&T without coughing up a lung.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Ferrari Signs Landmark New Title Sponsor
B&T continuing our series on sports sponsorships. And, yet again, there's little good news for the ten pin bowlers.
Choose A Path Less Trodden This Cannes In Cairns
Not since Wonka opened the factory has there been such a hot ticket in town. Here's how to make the most of Cairns.
Cannes In Cairns MC Keeva Stratton Shares Her Top Session Picks
Quip boss calls out her highlights of the Cannes agenda. We're assuming B&T staff b-boy demonstration was an oversight.
Here Are The Agencies That Made AFR’s Best Places To Work List And What The Industry Can Learn From Them
Did your office not make the list? Make sure your boss shouts at least two schooners at office drinks come Friday.
Get Ready, B&T’s Best Of The Best Is Back With The Top Holding Company Executive Leaders – Creative!
Want to know who the Grandest of the Grand Poobahs in the industry are? Look no further than this exhaustive list.
How A Glittering Campaign Helped The Australian Museum Sell 400,000 Tickets
B&T thoroughly enjoyed the Ramses exhibition at The Australian Museum, despite thinking we were going to the Archibald.
TV Ratings (30/04/2024): A “Shoey” Straight From A Fish’s Mouth Launches The Cheap Seats Into 2024
Last night's TV saw horny farmers beat Lego nerds, who beat fame-obsessed home cooks, who beat a chap with a large fish.
Spotlight Extends Partnership With Starlight Children’s Foundation
B&T always happy to promote the excellent work of the Starlight Foundation. Less so the Starfish Fanciers Foundation.
Amazon’s Advertising Quarterly Revenue Soars To $11.8bn
There are so many Amazon couriers visiting B&T headquarters at the moment our office dog doesn't know who to maul first.
VML Wellington Welcomes Jacob McGregor As Pou Ārahi Māori
McGregor set to lead cultural competency and safety at VML Wellington in important new gig.
“They Grow Up So Fast”: Simon Fowler On Five Years Of ABEL
Abel's CEO talks lessons learned from the agency's first five years. Including staff nicking all the Nespresso capsules.
Kyle & Jackie O Urge Melbourne To Pick A Side
Who can stop Kyle & Jackie O's indelible march into Melbourne radio? Is Peter 'Moony' Moon waiting by the phone?