Charity organisers are asking company bosses to join them in the latest CEO Sleepout event which is taking place in Nottingham.
The national initiative raises vital funds to combat homelessness by asking business people from the region to sleep outside and experience one night of what homeless people encounter. This will be the sixth event CEO Sleepout has held in the area since 2016.
Chief Executive Bianca Robinson said: “Every year, the great people of the Nottinghamshire business community have come out in force to spend a night sleeping outside.
“To date CEO Sleepout Nottingham has raised a whopping £237,617 and we’re aiming to reach over the quarter of a million mark this year.”
Speaking of the current economic challenges we are facing, such as the cost-of-living crisis and rising bill prices, Bianca added: “We are seeing desperate inequality all around us because of a turbulent few years.
“Some people will possibly face a real dread of eviction if they fall behind on payments and there is not enough affordable housing to ensure everyone has a secure roof over their heads.
“We need to change this and make a stand against the forces pulling people into homelessness in this country.”
Funds from the November sleepout at Meadow Lane Stadium will benefit charities on the frontline of homelessness and poverty in the area, including Notts County Foundation, Emmanuel House and The Friary.
Denis Tully, the CEO of Emmanuel House, said: “The sleepout is a unique event to raise vital money for charities like ours to fund frontline services for people who need them the most.
“The insights shared about what homelessness is changes understanding and perspectives, which is so important in the long run.”
A large number of local people have already signed up to spend a night under the stars and raise vital funds but there is a limited number of spaces remaining.
Speaking about this year’s participants, Bianca added: “I’m excited to meet everyone who has already signed up.
“It’s an unforgettable night rubbing shoulders with like-minded peers in the business community and there is still time to sign up – all you need is a big heart and a sleeping bag.”
Patrick Dobb, director of Lace Marketing, is taking part in the event for the second time and hopes to raise £1,000. Speaking of his inspiration to sleep out, he said: “I have spent a night in the cold with CEO Sleepout before after I was inspired by a young man called Kurt who was living on the streets through no fault of his own.”
He added: “I would encourage anyone to get involved, it is a great chance to meet like-minded people and raise money for an excellent cause.
“Last year, I signed up 72 hours before the event, so it is never too late!”
The event will be sponsored by 200 Degrees Coffee which has supplied fresh coffee to participants spending a night in the cold for the last six years.
CEO Sleepout is hoping to raise £40,000 at this year’s event to add to the overall total of £3.1 million which has been raised by the national initiative since it was founded in 2013.
For more information or to sign up for the next Nottingham sleepout at Meadow Lane Stadium on November 10th, visit ceosleepoutuk.com/nottingham
