Member Article

CEO Sleepout returns to Manchester

CEO Sleepout is returning to Manchester to continue fundraising for local homeless charities.

On 4 November 2019, at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Club, 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.

Last year, the event raised more than £75,000 for organisations which provide invaluable support to fight homelessness and its causes in Manchester and surrounds.

One such charity is Walking With the Wounded, which supports around 1500 armed forces veterans, many of whom are disadvantaged socially, economically and mentally and, therefore, at greater risk of homelessness and rough sleeping. The funding from CEO Sleepout’s 2018 event, enabled the charity to provide temporary accommodation, mental health support and training to four[1] veterans, enabling them to access permanent housing and employment.

Joel Oxberry, head of corporate partnerships at Walking with the Wounded, said: “Walking With the Wounded greatly depends on charitable donations. The challenges facing veterans are many and often forgotten. We have to overcome the preconception that, although they may no longer be facing conflict, the horrors of veteran’s experiences remain. We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude; they have served us, and now we must serve them. No veteran should be fighting for the basic human right of a roof over their heads.”

Mustard Tree also benefited from last year’s fundraising. Mustard Tree works to help people in poverty and facing homelessness in Greater Manchester to develop new skills, find work and secure somewhere to live. It offers a range of courses including Ready for work club, English language classes and IT skills, as well as one-to-one support. Through its work people develop a range of different skills, alongside support with their mental health and confidence, reducing the risk of rough sleeping.

The financial donation from CEO Sleepout enabled Mustard Tree to provide one person’s placement, which helps them to gain practical work experience backed up with the training and support needed to secure a sustainable future.

Since it 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: “Our CEOs do an amazing job in raising funds for local charities, who make a real difference, day after day, to the lives of homeless and vulnerable people.

“It’s a pleasure to be back in Manchester, where we are very grateful for the many business people who have taken part in past fundraising and are joining us again this year.”

A number of Manchester business leaders have signed up to take part, including Barclays Director, Nick Caton; CEO and NED Anna Beaumont and Group Executive Chariman Fairhome Group PLC, John Russell.

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