Podcast: Hitting a home run for the homeless

Knocked off his axis by a career setback he never saw coming, Christofi moved back home to live with his parents, lick his wounds, and plot a path back to success as CEO of financial services company Reventon.

The temporary fall from grace gave him time to think about how easily things can go sideways in life, and to consider the plight of the growing number of homeless Australians.

“I was doing well, I had eight properties, I was earning $400,000 a year and lost it all. If I didn’t have the support of my family, that (homelessness) could have been me."

The experience made Christofi determined to do what he could to help others.

“I have always been passionate about helping people in need and as leaders in the community, I think it’s our responsibility to do that,” he said.

"It’s something that underpins my purpose as a business owner, as a human who wants to do good, and to leave a great example to my four children.”

To achieve that goal, Christofi has not been afraid to experience the reality of sleeping rough.

As a seven-time participant in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout, Chris holds the distinction of being the highest fundraiser in the event's history, raising more than $1 million to aid the homeless.

Preparing to take part in the event for the eighth time on 19 June, Christofi said homelessness isn’t a problem that can be solved overnight, but one faced by thousands of Australians every day.

“My father always used to say be good and kind to other people because you never know when that [homelessness] can happen.

"It's just a set of unfortunate circumstances that can lead anyone to homelessness."

Christofi will host the fifth and final Lead with Kindness gala in Melbourne on 30 May.

The black-tie event marks the culmination of his long-running mission to support Australians experiencing homelessness.

The number of people at risk of homelessness has doubled over the past five years, with more than 256,000 people in Australia sleeping rough every night, statistics Christofi described as “heartbreaking.”

“Lead with Kindness is about doing something meaningful in response,” he said.

“The more we raise, the more people we can help.”

Learn more from Chris on why he is so passionate about alleviating the plight of homelessness in the Community Advocate podcast.