Member Article

Business leaders challenged to 'Sleep Out' to raise money for homeless charities

CEO Sleepout is challenging bosses from companies across Milton Keynes to take part in the first event to be held in the City.

On 7 November 2019, at Stadium MK, business leaders will give up their warm beds to literally ‘sleep out’ in a bid to raise money for local charities helping in the fight against homelessness and poverty.

CEO Sleepout has partnered with YMCA MK and the MK Dons Sport and Education Trust (SET) to bring together fundraisers from all walks of life to spend the night under the stars, experiencing a little of what those without homes go through every single night.

Since the charity was founded in 2013, CEO Sleepout events have been held at venues across the country, including at Wembley Stadium, St James’ Park Newcastle, Old Trafford cricket ground, The Alnwick Garden and Lord’s Cricket Ground. Its events have raised more than £2million to date.

CEO Sleepout’s chief executive, Bianca Robinson, said: “Although it’s only for one night, and doesn’t come close to what homeless people experience night after night, CEO Sleepout is intended to raise awareness and lots of money to fight homelessness locally and nationally, but also to remind all of us in business, about our social responsibility.

“We are very grateful for the many business people who have taken part in our fundraising events across the country and want to challenge the Milton Keynes business community to show their generosity and get involved.

“We’re inviting CEOs, senior level staff and their teams from across Milton Keynes to take part in what is sure to be a memorable and rewarding night.”

John Cove, Chair of MK Dons Sport and Education Trust said: “We know that sport, and football in particular, can inspire everyone, we also have a responsibility to use this inspiration as a catalyst to people making healthy and active lifestyle choices. So, whilst our programmes are fun and innovative, they are focused on delivering clear health messages and improving educational attainment. By understanding the needs of our community, we have delivered projects that have improved literacy, numeracy and ICT levels; increased confidence, self-esteem and communication skills; and broken down cultural and social barriers. The money raised by this event will help support the continuation of this work particularly those at risk of homelessness”

Simon Green, YMCA MK CEO said: Milton Keynes has been identified as the youth homelessness capital of the UK and YMCA MK are approached by over 1,000 young people every year, needing somewhere to live. It is an exciting time for YMCA MK as we re-develop our accommodation, building 199 rooms, as well as hosting a range of commercial and social enterprise activities, designed to support homeless young people in to employment. We are seeking to develop stronger links with the business community to develop further employment opportunities for our young people. The CEO Sleepout event will provide funds to help maintain the availability of this support for our residents, as well as a unique networking opportunity for us to help young people belong, contribute and thrive.

A number of Milton Keynes business leaders have already signed up to take part, including Jo Carter of Concept Personnel - who has been instrumental in bringing the event to Milton Keynes, the new Mayor Sam Crooks, John Cove, the Chair of MK Dons SET at Stadium MK and business leaders from across all industries.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .