Publications
Partners
Johannesburg – Chief ambassador of CEO Sleepout 2016, Yusuf Abramjee, has in a statement made a last-minute call to business leaders, companies, students and the general public urging them to join this year's education fund raiser.
“Every person who registers to participate will be contributing to education in our country. Let's join hands and make a difference. This event is the biggest single charity drive on the continent and we are now taking last minute registrations," Abramjee told student leaders at the Redhill School in Sandton at the weekend.
The CEO Sleepout initiative, which was founded in Australia in 2006, challenges business leaders to join the global movement to raise funds, awareness and empathy for homelessness and the challenges faced by vulnerable children every day, News24 reported. The inaugural South African CEO Sleepout in 2015 raised more than R26 million.
On Saturday Abramjee was joined by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela and music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka, both ambassadors for the CEO Sleepout 2016.
Madonsela said the CEO Sleepout was in line with the Constitution which promises a better life for all. "I salute all the participants. Let's make a difference," she said.
Sympathy sleepouts
Chaka Chaka praised young people for coming forward and contributing to a better South Africa. "Please continue to work hard to improve the lives of others," she said.
Abramjee said some 200 CEO's had registered for the Sleepout.
Over 50 schools and universities and scores of companies were expected to take part in the School, Student and Sympathy Sleepouts.
Madonsela, Chaka Chaka and other ambassadors will be on the [Nelson Mandela] bridge on Thursday. They will be joined by, among others, Carolyn Steyn from 67 Blankets, media personalities Leanne Manas and Ashraf Garda, Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi and Australia's High Commissioner to South Africa, Adam McCarthy.
Abramjee will lead some of the ambassadors on the night and visit the Sympathy Sleepouts across Johannesburg to show support and address them.
"A cold front is going to hit Gauteng this week. In addition to raising money, the CEO Sleepout highlights the plight of the homeless," he said.
Brand SA's Play Your Part will be setting up a library on the Nelson Mandela bridge on Thursday. Books will be collected and distributed to needy schools. Gift of the Givers will be collecting clothes and blankets for those in need.
