In June, our CEO, John Piccolo, together with 44 directors, staff and partners slept outdoors at the Timberyard in Port Melbourne for the 2023 Vinnies CEO Sleepout. This was the highest participation for a company.  The team experienced sleeping ‘rough’ during Winter for just one night. This one night will help change the lives of 122,000 Australians that experience no shelter, no warmth, no food, no friends, or family every night.

Woodards raised the bar this year, striving to raise $200,000 ($40,000 more than 2022). With the generous support of the community, over $237,000 was raised. This is a tremendous eff ort and funds will go directly to assist people experiencing homelessness by supplying food vans and emergency support, as well as expanding the reach to existing Vinnies programs ensuring every Australian can access accommodation, meals and emergency assistance.

In addition, Woodards and John Piccolo our Woodards CEO, received a Good Business Award for the contributions made to the homeless during 22/23. 

Since 2017, the Woodards Foundation has raised over $1.6 million, funding eight new soup vans that distribute food and other essentials to those in need. A percentage of every Woodards sales commission and every leasing fee is donated to our Foundation. The Woodards Foundation values its partnership with Vinnies and together, with the generosity of all those within our communities, we are definitely making a difference and ‘changing lives’ for the better.