Medicines Australia chief executive to spend night in a cardboard box

Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan Shaw will brave Canberra’s arctic winter by sleeping under the stars in a cardboard box tonight, as part of the 2010 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

The Sleepout is part of the Vinnies Winter Appeal which aims to raise awareness of homeless and to raise funds for Vinnies’ homeless service.

“We sometimes take for granted the luxury of a warm bed and a roof over our heads,” Dr Shaw said.

“This is going to take me way out of my comfort zone.

“If I can avoid frostbite I should be OK.

“Sleeping out in the depths of a frosty Canberra midwinter is a pretty challenging proposition. Unfortunately it is a reality for many homeless people.

“While the CEO Sleepout is a bit of a novelty, there is a serious side to it.

“Homelessness is an appalling social problem which we must do all we can to tackle.

“It’s important that we raise awareness of homelessness among business leaders and within broader community.

“I hope also that we manage to raise enough funds for Vinnies to continue to be able to provide ongoing support for homeless people.”

The managing directors of three Medicines Australia member companies will also take part in the CEO Sleepout in Sydney. John Latham (Pfizer), Jane Orr (MSD) and Jeremy Morgan (Eli Lilly) will rough it tonight, although they can expect kinder weather there.

“I think I drew the short straw being in Canberra,” Dr Shaw said.

“Winter nights in the national capital are several degrees colder than they are in Sydney so I expect my colleagues will have more comfortable night.”

Donations to the 2010 Vinnies CEO Sleepout can be made directly online at:

–ENDS–

Contact Person:

Jamie Nicholson
Media Communications Manager
Phone: 0419 220 293
Email: Jamie.Nicholson@medicinesaustralia.com.au