YMCA Derbyshire has successfully hosted its fifteenth annual Sleep Easy event at Derbyshire County Cricket Ground. To date the event has raised just under £30,000, with donations still being received.
Over 80 brave participants, from all walks of life, took up the challenge and spent the night in makeshift shelters, cardboard boxes and sleeping bags. Businesses and individuals generously donated food, drinks and other essential supplies throughout the night.
Grace Harrison, Development Director at YMCA Derbyshire, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support and said: “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support for our Sleep Easy event, and extremely grateful that year after year people are willing to spend the night outside for our cause.
“The money raised will go towards counselling, diversionary activities including sports, arts and crafts, providing a range of horticulture opportunities at our Community Gardens, wellbeing support, volunteer opportunities and work placement programmes. All with the aim of supporting those we serve to move along their positive pathways, enabling them to belong, contribute and thrive.”
YMCA Derbyshire thanked everyone that took part, including the many business partners and organisations that once again stepped up to the plate to sleep out, so that others won’t have to, including Lubrizol, Griffiths Food, X-Press Legal Services, Vaillant, Yellow Rail, McAndrew Industries, SPL Powerlines, Icons Talent Agency, Hardy Signs, Derby Cathedral, The Alternative Board and Repton School.
Lucy Armstrong from Lubrizol said:” Such a fantastic night last night, and a big reminder of how fortunate I am to have somewhere safe, secure, and comfortable to live. The work YMCA Derbyshire does in the community makes such an impact, and I’m really looking forward to working with them on more projects in the future.”
Lucy’s comments were echoed by Alice Woolley from Vaillant who added: “Credit to all those at the YMCA organisation and fundraising for such an important and worthy cause. We will certainly support the Sleep Easy in the future, such a unique event creating strong relationships both within our teams and with other local supporters.”
Ben Wheeler from X-Press Legal Services said it was a “helluva night” and added: “It was only one night, but a significant eye opener. Once again, many thanks to those who supported me. Much appreciated. And a huge thanks to YMCA Derbyshire for all that they did to make the event a success.”
