The annual St Vincent de Paul Society CEO Sleepout will be held on Thursday, with hundreds of chief executives, business owners and community leaders set to spend the night outdoors to support people in need.

Among them is Bank of Heritage Isle head of operations Chantal Filgate, who is taking part in the event for the first time.

She said it was the least she could do for such an important cause.

“Sometimes we don’t always see people sleeping rough, we only see where they have been,” she said.

“One night sleeping in the cold is nothing compared to what they go through.”

Mrs Filgate registered for the sleepout after being approached by Bank of Heritage Isle general manager Annette Griffin.

She will be joined on the night by the bank’s business relationship officer Karen Hinds, who has been volunteering at the event for a number of years.

There has been no shortage of community support from outside the bank, with Mrs Filgate raising almost $2000 so far.

The Bank of Heritage Isle is set to match the final fundraising total with its own donation, meaning she will easily pass her initial fundraising target of $3000.

Mrs Filgate said the generosity of the community had been a welcome surprise.

“It’s been quite lovely,” she said.

“I’ve received quite a few donations from people I don’t even know, so I’ve made an effort to reach out and thank them.

“The sleepout has been gaining momentum in Launceston for quite a few years, which is why I think the community responds so well to it.

“We are being well supported by members and staff at Bank of Heritage Isle and Police Bank, for which we are very grateful.”

Last year’s CEO Sleepout raised $5.6 million for the St Vincent de Paul Society.

For more information, or to make a donation, go to www.ceosleepout.org.au.

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