CEO Sleepout is challenging bosses from companies across Manchester to support the charity initiative to raise much-needed money for five local charities.
This year, CEO Sleepout has partnered with Walking with the Wounded, whose CEO is taking part in the Sleepout himself, to bring together fundraisers to spend a night under the stars, to experience a fraction of what those without homes go through, every night.
On October 15th 2018, at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, business leaders will literally be ‘sleeping out’ in a bid to raise money for the charities which are helping in the fight against homelessness and poverty.
Walking with the Wounded launched in Manchester in 2015 following a BBC DIY SOS project aimed to support vulnerable ex-servicemen and women who have struggled since leaving the Armed Forces and could be at risk of homelessness.
Due to the impact the Manchester hub has had, supporting 164 veterans in 2017, Walking with the Wounded will be replicating this service across the country to help ex-servicemen and women through a difficult period in their lives.
Other charities to benefit from this year’s Manchester Sleepout are the LCCC Foundation, MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health), Mustard Tree and Back on Track.
Ed Parker, CEO, Walking With The Wounded commented: “We do provide support to a lot of veterans who have been homeless at Walking With The Wounded and whilst I am under no illusion that ‘sleeping out’ for one night is nothing to what those who are homeless face, I hope that by taking part I will understand more about the hardship they face and raise some valuable funds to support those who are struggling since leaving the Armed Forces.”
Founded in 2015 by Chairman Andy Preston, CEO Sleepout events have been held across the country, including eight Sleepout events to come this year.
CEO Sleepout’s National Coordinator, Bianca Robinson, said: “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 Manchester businesses to show their generosity and get involved.
“Walking With The Wounded does great work in the region and we are so pleased to be able to support such an influential charity in Manchester in the fight against homelessness and poverty.
“Sleeping under the stars for one night offers the participants a snapshot of the struggles that those living on the streets face every day. We’re inviting CEOs, senior level staff and their teams from across Manchester to take part in what is sure to be a memorable and rewarding night.”
Andy Preston, Chairman and Founder of CEO Sleepout, said: “I am very humbled to see so many business leaders take part in out CEO Sleepout events across the country and I am sure that Manchester will follow in the footsteps of other cities and provide a great turn out for the event.
“The Sleepouts help to raise money for a number of really worthwhile charities and I hope this year we’re able to beat 2017’s phenomenal amount of £64,500 raised by the kind-hearted members of Manchester’s business community.”
