Local firms come forward to take part in the Burton YMCA sleepout
Burton YMCA has announced that several local businesses have signed up to sponsor and take part in the charity’s annual sleepout on 10 November.
Companies signed up include Ginho Group, Cosy Direct, Else Solicitors, Trent & Dove Housing, Hardy Signs and Fishers Solicitor’s.
Over 100 people have already signed up to the event, which takes place overnight at Burton Albion Football Club and St Modwen’s graveyard. The funds raised this year are particularly critical as the cost of living continues to hit hard, meaning the charity is experiencing increased demand across all of its services as people struggle to cope.
Businesses taking part in the sleepout will experience a little of what it’s like to be homeless and how vulnerable people live day-to-day, whilst raising money to support the charity’s work in the local community, including homeless outreach facilities, housing, foodbank and mediation in the East Staffordshire Borough area.
Now in its 15th year, the Sleepout has raised over £400,000 to support its services over the years.
YMCA Burton’s fundraising and partnerships manager Paula Senior said: “It’s very heartening that several businesses have signed up to the sleepout this year and encouraging their employees to participate.
“There is still time to sign up to the sleepout so please do – we are hoping we can reach a sell out year if we can.
“I’d like to thank all the businesses who have signed up whether they are first timers are long-standing supporters, we are grateful for all the support.
“If you cannot take part but still want to be involved, then you have the option of sponsoring a box. For £100 you will get mentions on our social media channels and have a dedicated box which will be used by a participant on the night.”
Some businesses taking part are doing it for the first time whilst others are seasoned supporters of the YMCA, such as Charlotte from Else Solicitors who is taken part in her 3rd Sleepout.
Charlotte Osbourne, marketing coordinator at Else said: “This will be my third sleepout and my second one at the church.
“I always take part with a good friend and this year I am looking forward to Georgina from the Else team joining us for her first sleepout experience.
“The work that YMCA Burton do is so important and I hope by taking part in the sleepout again, I can not only fundraise, but also help to raise awareness and highlight the brilliant work and support that the charity provides within our community.
Seasoned supporter, Shaun Gray, the European managing director of Ginho said: “Ginho are proud to be supporting the YMCA sleepout again this year, it’s a fantastic fundraiser but also gives us a snapshot of the harsh reality that others less fortunate within our town endure on a nightly basis”.
Local company Hardy Signs have been supporting the Sleepout for a number of years and this year, their marketing executive; Blu Hardy is Sleeping out in the Graveyard for her first Sleepout.
Blu said: “Sleeping outside during the cold of November sounds horrendous, but unfortunately, it’s a reality for many people. By experiencing even a fraction of the challenges many face, I hope to raise awareness for the homeless community and bring attention to the YMCA's crucial work.”
