A decade after first joining the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, Woodards has confirmed its biggest fundraising result yet — enough to fully fit out two soup vans this year, bringing the network’s decade-long total to ten vans on the road for Victorians experiencing homelessness.
The milestone comes after 22 Woodards leaders and friends spent the night outdoors at Melbourne’s Federation Square Skyline Car Park as part of the 2026 Vinnies CEO Sleepout on June 18, raising funds and awareness for people facing housing insecurity and hardship.
The annual event supports people experiencing homelessness and hardship through emergency assistance, accommodation, food services and other frontline support programs.
This year also marks the tenth CEO Sleepout for Woodards Executive Chairman and Vinnies Ambassador John Piccolo, who has helped drive the network’s involvement since first taking part in 2017. In recognition of his decade of fundraising for the event, John was presented with the Decade of Impact Award.
Team Woodards raised $294,517 in this year’s Sleepout, comfortably exceeding its team goal and funding two fully fitted soup vans that will serve meals 365 nights a year. Across ten years of participation, Team Woodards has now surpassed $1 million raised through the CEO Sleepout in support of Vinnies’ frontline homelessness services.
Through its wider partnership with Vinnies, the Woodards Foundation has invested more than $1.7 million back into the community since 2014.
John said the milestone reflected both the generosity of the Woodards community and the ongoing need for support.
“Homelessness isn’t just a housing issue – it’s a human issue. Behind every statistic is a person, a family or a life that’s been disrupted by circumstances that can affect any of us,” John said.
“What I’ve learned is that homelessness can happen to almost anyone. A relationship breakdown, family violence, illness, mental health challenges, rising rents or the loss of employment can quickly push people into housing insecurity.”
John said reaching the ten-van, ten-year milestone was about far more than a number.
“Personally, it’s a reminder of what can be achieved when a large group of people rally behind a common purpose. For the Woodards network, it demonstrates that our commitment to community is much more than words. Real estate is about people, and supporting vulnerable members of our community is an extension of that responsibility.”
As leaders within the property industry, John believes businesses have an important role to play in helping address housing insecurity and supporting vulnerable members of the community.
“Leadership isn’t just about commercial success – it’s about using your position and influence to help build stronger and more inclusive communities,” he said.
Vinnies Victoria Group CEO Charlie Spendlove said Woodards’ support had delivered a lasting impact.
“Woodards aren’t just a donor, they’re a genuine partner to Vinnies,” Charlie said.
“Over the years, they have put ten soup vans on the road. Every single night, those soup vans are out supporting people in need across the streets of Victoria, serving over a million meals to families, to children, to women, to individuals, to young people.
“A soup van is not just a meal, it’s a connection to humanity.”
For Woodards Sunbury & Macedon Ranges agent Chrisie Vardon, participating in the CEO Sleepout is driven by a deeply personal connection to the cause.
When she was younger, a close friend and their family were forced to flee domestic violence and seek refuge in a women’s and children’s shelter.
“Knowing someone I care so deeply about went through something like that and seeing the role that support services played in helping them rebuild their lives has really stayed with me,” Chrisie said.
“It’s also why I believe these systems need more awareness and more funding, so they can continue to support those who truly need it.”
Chrisie said the experience reinforced why she was proud to be part of the Woodards network.
“I think it says a lot about the culture at Woodards that so many people across the network continue to show up and support causes like this. There’s a genuine commitment to giving back and creating positive change in the communities we work in, which is something I’m really proud to be part of.”
Woodards Oakleigh Director Frank Scalise said the sleepout was a powerful reminder that homelessness can affect anyone.
“No one should have to feel alone, especially during the toughest times in their life,” Frank said.
“If spending one night out in the cold helps raise awareness, compassion and much-needed funds for the incredible work Vinnies does every day, then it’s something I’m proud to be part of.”