CEO Sleepout is challenging bosses from companies across Hull to swap their warm beds for a night sleeping out to raise money to support homeless people.
On November 15th 2018, at the KCOM Stadium in Hull, business leaders will be literally bedding down outdoors in a bid to raise money for charities helping in the fight against homelessness and poverty.
Founded four years ago by Chairman, Andy Preston, CEO Sleepout events have been held at venues across the country including Wembley Stadium, St James’ Park Newcastle, Old Trafford cricket ground, Alnwick Gardens and Lord’s Cricket Ground.
The first Hull sleepout has attracted representatives of Hull City and Hull College who have already signed up to take part. The event will support charities including the Tigers Trust and Emmaus Hull & East Riding.
CEO Sleepout’s National Coordinator, Bianca Robinson, said: “We are very grateful for the many busy individuals who give up their time to take part in our fundraising events across the country and want to challenge business people across Hull to show their generosity and get involved.
“Giving up one night of comfort offers the participants a snapshot of what life on the streets is really like for those living with homelessness and poverty. We’re inviting CEOs, senior level staff and their teams from across Hull to take part in what is sure to be a memorable and rewarding night.”
Kelly Thompson, Director at Emmaus Hull, said: “We are delighted to support this fabulous initiative. Emmaus Hull & East Riding deliver front line support to those affected by homelessness every day of the year. We support rough sleepers on the streets, and offer homes to those wanting to make positive change. Through our creative charity shops we train and help people affected by homelessness get back into the world of work. We will be actively seeking support from our Emmaus friends and local businesses to get behind CEO Sleepout Hull. We are a caring city so let’s make this the best CEO Sleepout campaign.”
Marc Ledingham of Tigers Trust, said: “Tigers Trust supports thousands of people each year through key community projects in Hull and surrounding areas. The prospect of being homeless must be extremely daunting and isolating. Tigers Trust tries to offer support to individuals impacted by numerous social causes including lack of affordable housing, poverty, and unemployment and we are continuing to strive to raise awareness and fundraise to support these areas. By working in partnership with others, including the CEO Sleepout, we can join forces to make more noise around key causes, including in this instance preventing homelessness or supporting people where their circumstances have led them to become homeless. The natural synergies between the Trust and CEO Sleepout are aligned in supporting vulnerable people to get help quickly and supporting them with an action plan to get them back on track. It’s important to us that we support such worthwhile projects in the local area.”
The Sleepout is also being supported by Steve Arnott, the subject of documentary “A Northern Soul” by filmmaker Shaun McAllister. Steve attended the launch event with children he has mentored as part of his Beats Bus project. The incredible film documents his work, changing the outlook for young kids in poverty- giving them confidence and self-belief.
Steve said: “I’m proud and humbled to be able to support, and take part in, the CEO Sleepout in my home town of Hull.
“It’s sad that in this day and age homelessness is still prevalent but while there are people sleeping rough we must do everything possible to support them.”
Andy Preston, Chairman and Founder of CEO Sleepout, said: “I am very pleased to see so many business leaders take part in our CEO Sleepout events across the country and I am sure that Hull will not disappoint.
“The sleepouts help to raise money for a number of really worthwhile charities and I hope this year we’re able to raise a record amount.”
