Roughing it raises awareness

But this Thursday night he will take on a different focus – sleeping rough to raise awareness of the State’s homelessness problem.

Mr Alcock will be joined by 121 other business leaders as part of WA’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

On the night, participants get a soup-kitchen style dinner and a piece of cardboard to sleep on before going out alone to find a place to spend the night around the WACA grounds.

The builder has also been spending time at the Passages Centre in Northbridge to gain more insight into the issue.

‘The thing that resonates with me is the vulnerability of people, that homelessness is probably only three or four bad decisions, or bad situations, away from any of us,’ he said.

‘We might think we are bullet proof but issues such as relationship breakdowns and mental health issues can affect any of us.’

Last year Mr Alcock raised $135,000, the most out of the WA chief executives participating.

‘All the funds raised in WA stay in WA, I really liked that aspect of it,’ he said.

St Vincent de Paul Society chief executive for WA Mark Fitzpatrick, who will also sleep out on Thursday, said the event was the largest source of funding for the organisation’s homeless services.

‘We are incredibly grateful to all the business and community leaders who get behind this event and dedicate their valuable time to show their support and advocate on behalf of those doing it tough,’ he said.

To support Dale Alcock’s fundraising efforts, go to: www.ceosleepout.org.au

Donaters can vote on which onesie Mr Alcock should wear on the night: Dockers, Eagles or a Squirrel suit.