Australia’s business leaders have become increasingly aware of their responsibilities within the wider community in recent years.
The Couch Project, a campaign aiming to combat youth homelessness, has followed successful initiatives such as the CEO Sleepout in drawing the support of business leaders.
Tim Reed, CEO of MYOB, is one business leader taking part in the initiative to bring awareness to the issue.
“Youth homelessness is a huge issue in our community that goes unseen by many. It is important for business leaders to be a part of this because businesses can be part of the solution,” he said.
The Couch Project, launched by the Salvation Amy’s Oasis Youth Support Network, is looking to battle youth homelessness by raising awareness of couch surfing – the first step in the cycle of homelessness.
The launch of the initiative last week saw business and entertainment personalities spend time on a red couch in a glass box at Sydney’s Customs House.
“Homelessness is much more prevalent than most Australians realise. It can happen to anyone, including your team members. When you understand this and how important employment is to a path out of homelessness you realise that every business has a role to play in addressing this critical community issue,” Reed said.
He added, “As business leaders and employers I believe it is important that we all become more aware of the challenges that some of our team members may face, whether directly or indirectly, and the role we can play in addressing this issue.”
The Couch Project’s campaign calls for people to spend the evening of September 14 sleeping on their couch to raise funds for the cause.
You can find out more about The Couch Project here.
