CEO joins fight against homelessness

Business leader and Docklander George Kotzageridis is set to brave a cold night at Etihad Stadium next month to raise awareness of homelessness in Australia.

Mr Kotzageridis will join more than 100 other CEOs, including Hatem Saleh from Docklands-based Atlantic Group [V], at the annual Victorian Vinnies CEO Sleepout on June 20.

Every night more than 100,000 Australians sleep rough. Just under half of these are women and around a quarter are less than 18 years old.  

The sleep out asks CEOs to experience homelessness for a single night and, in doing so, raise awareness and much-needed funds for homeless services.

Mr Kotzageridis is CEO of GSK Group of Companies, which works in catering, event management, party hire, petroleum and security.

He’s also lived in Docklands for the past six-and-a-half years, first at NewQuay and for the past four years at Yarra’s Edge.

Mr Kotzageridis said Yarra’s Edge was definitely the best place to live in Docklands.

“It’s such a nice place to be. It’s quiet, not too busy and not much wind,” he said.

“It’s family-oriented and has a great community feel. Everyone knows each other.”

He decided to get involved in the CEO Sleepout in order to help support the Vinnies cause.

George said he had a Boy Scout background, so he didn’t think he’d find the sleep out as difficult as others might.

“It’s just one night. Don’t forget there are many people doing it every night,” Mr Kotzageridis said.

George said he believed people should give of themselves when they can.

GSK Group of Companies also sponsors children through World Vision and supports the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

“What goes around comes around. If you can help someone who needs it then you should,” he said.

According to George, it’s easy to forget that many people who experience homelessness have a story to tell.

“If you look into the stories of the homeless you’ll find that many are educated people, perhaps they once were wealthy. It can happen to anyone,” he said.

“Circumstances can change easily, especially if you don’t have any support,” he said.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held at Etihad Stadium and other locations around the country on June 20.  Donations can be made at http://www.ceosleepout.org.au