Member Article

CEO Sleepout challenges Darlington business leaders

CEO Sleepout is challenging bosses from companies across Darlington to take part in its next event held in the city.

On 17 October 2019, at Darlington Mowden Park RUFC, 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 local charities First Stop Darlington, and Mowden Community as well as national charity Walking With the Wounded for their work to house veterans who are experiencing homelessness locally. The event will attract senior level executives and business owners from the local business community 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 £2.2 million 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 and that we have the power to make a stand against inequality

“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 Darlington business community to show their generosity and get involved.

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

Anne Rose, Community Manager, Mowden Park RUFC, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this year’s CEO Sleepout event once again at Mowden Park. Last year’s event raised funds which has enabled us to work with young people at risk of becoming homeless by providing opportunities to gain qualifications, develop their skills and access employment opportunities. We’re also developing the Homeless Rugby project, providing positive employability opportunities through sport.” -

Tracy Freeman from First Stop, said: “Many of the people who have used First Stop over the years have spent time on the streets and time living at different addresses with no home of their own. The CEO Sleepout raises awareness of the plight of people without homes and all the additional problems that this brings, most which doesn’t occur to the average person. Receiving funding from the Darlington CEO Sleepout is so welcome to our little charity, it helps us to support more people on their journey to independence.”

Tommy Watson from Walking with the Wounded, said: “We recognise the inherent skills of our armed service personnel and want to complement these qualities, as well as provide support to transfer their skills into the civilian workplace. We offer assistance through our programmes to those vulnerable veterans who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged by their service and assist them in sustaining their independence through new sustainable careers outside of the military. This includes providing support to homeless veterans and veterans in the Criminal Justice System, areas which are too often ignored.”

A number of Darlington business leaders have already signed up to take part, including renowned local businessman Mike Matthews; Justin Hutchens, CEO of HC One; Rebecca Jane Everson, Ms Galaxy UK; and Tori Gill, MD of tgi Media.

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