A decade after first joining the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, Woodards has passed a major fundraising milestone, topping $1 million in support of Australians experiencing homelessness and funding a ninth fully-fitted soup van for Victoria's most vulnerable communities.
We have raised enough money to fit out two vans. So, the great news is we have 10 vans, matching 10 Years Woodards has been a part of Vinnies CEO Sleepout. We originally set our goals for one van this year but we now have a total over the decade of 10.
The achievement 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 10th 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.
To mark the milestone, Mr Piccolo was awarded the Decade of Impact Award and also took out top spot on the Victorian CEO Sleepout leaderboard, having personally raised $193,000 this year.
In total Team Woodards raised $294,517 taking the total raised over the past decade to $1.27 million.
Through its wider partnership with Vinnies, the Woodards Foundation has invested more than $1.9 million back into the community.
Mr Piccolo 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," Mr Piccolo 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."
Mr Piccolo said reaching the $1 million milestone was about far more than a fundraising figure.
"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."
The Woodards funds raised this year will enable a ninth fully-fitted soup van to hit the road, providing food, support and connection for people experiencing hardship across Victoria.
As leaders within the property industry, Mr Piccolo 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," Ms Spendlove said.
"Over the years, they have put nine 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," Ms Vardon 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."
Ms Vardon 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," Mr Scalise 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."
This article was independently written and edited by Real Estate Today. © Real Estate Today 2026 – All Rights Reserved.
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