Leeds-based marketing consultancy, The Marketing Optimist, has pledged to raise £1000 for Yorkshire-based homelessness charity, Simon on the Streets.
Richard Michie and Christopher Fox made the pledge after signing up to take part in the charity’s ‘Walk with Simon’ challenge, which will see the pair join with hundreds of others to walk from Huddersfield, through Bradford, to Leeds.
Taking place on 13th July 2019, ‘Walk with Simon’ is a brand-new endurance challenge in which competitors have just 24 hours to complete the 24-mile route, comprising the three main areas in which Simon on the Streets operates.
The independent charity- who works with local people who are affected by homelessness and rough sleeping in Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees, organised the challenge in a bid to further subsidise the street-support they provide to individuals who have complex needs and cannot access mainstream services, due to behavioural issues or mental illness.
The Marketing Optimist has supported the charity since founding in 2016, previously raising £760 at the ‘Big Sleepout’ in September 2017, as well as selling raffle tickets at events and making donations at Christmas instead of sending out Christmas cards.
CEO Richard Michie said: “With the plight of the homeless so clear to see in Leeds, we wanted to work together to support the amazing work that Simon on the Streets do.
“We’re aware that we’ve set our sights high, but that’s just our style, and we’re confident that we can achieve this, with the help of clients, friends and the charitable citizens of Leeds.
Marketing executive Christopher Fox added: “Each day on my way to work I encounter those sleeping on the streets and it’s difficult to sit back and not do anything.
“I’m not an experienced walker and it will be hard but if it makes a difference to people’s lives then I am more than willing to give it a go.”
The pair have already raised £210 but need a further £790 to reach their target.
To donate please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/yorkshire-homeless.