CEO Sleepout, a UK-wide charity which supports homeless people, is asking business executives to swap their smartphones for sleeping bags and sleep outdoors, to raise sponsorship from their networks of business contacts.
The 2017 autumn programme has been announced:
- NOTTINGHAM – 5th October, Meadow Lane Stadium
- MANCHESTER – 16th October, Old Trafford Cricket Ground
- LEEDS – 30th October, Headingly Stadium
- LONDON – 30th October, Lords Cricket Ground
- TEESSIDE – 2nd November, Preston Park Museum
- NORTHUMBERLAND – 20th November, Alnwick Gardens
Full details at www.ceosleepoutuk.com
Building on the success of its first Northumberland Sleepout in 2016, which raised more than £16,000, the charity will donate one third of the money raised by this event directly to up to five good causes in the county that tackle rural poverty.
A recent report by Community Action Northumberland highlighted the high cost of living, accessibility and connectivity, fuel poverty, and the ageing population as issues linked to rural deprivation. The report also noted that in-work poverty is more prevalent in rural areas due to the nature of the work available, with just 33% of low income families being classed at workless in the most rural areas, compared to 48% in urban environments.
Dozens of people from Northumberland’s business community are expected to sign up for the event, which is being held at The Alnwick Garden on November 20th.
People wishing to find out more about the event or to register and take part should visithttp://www.ceosleepoutuk.com/northumberland/.
CEO Sleepout founder Andy Preston said: “We’re really excited to be bringing CEO Sleepout to Northumberland. There is a perception that homelessness and poverty are not big problems in rural areas and smaller towns, but the reality is very different. I am sure the money we will raise will make a real difference in helping local people who are struggling, sleeping rough or at risk of it.
“I’d like to thank the Alnwick Garden for hosting. Northumberland has a well-deserved reputation for their generosity, and I have no doubt many local business people will volunteer to sleep out, and lots more will generously sponsor those who do.”