Cool Ute Effort Raises $1500

July 10, 2020

It’s no secret that South Burnett Regional Council CEO Mark Pitt loves his Holden ute … but enough to sleep in it?

Mark recently finished his seven-year journey to restore the white WB ute back to showroom condition.

So it seemed natural that when Mark signed up to take part in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout – which raises funds to help the homeless – the trusty Holden would somehow play a part.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a one-night event held on one of the longest and coldest nights of the year.

Ir’s been raising funds to help the homeless for 15 years.

Hundreds of CEOs, business owners as well as community and government leaders sleep outdoors to support the many Australians who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.

Each participant commits to raising money to help Vinnies provide essential services to the people who need them.

Mark told southburnett.com.au he had wanted to take part in the sleepout for a long time.

“Some days you forget how lucky you are. You get caught up in life,” he said.

Homelessness doesn’t just mean sleeping in a park or under a bridge.

Thousands of homeless people around Australia – including individuals in the South Burnett – survive by couch-surfing at friends’ homes or by sleeping in their cars.

Hence the ute …

This year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout was transformed into an interactive online event on June 18 because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Mark took part in the live link with St Vinnies from 7:00pm to 10:00pm before settling down for the night in the Holden ute’s tray.

“I was looking very dapper in my jarmies,” he joked.

But the effort was worth it! Mark raised $1500 for the charity.

  Council