York bosses to sleep under the stars in homeless charity fundraiser
Business leaders from across York will be swapping their briefcases for sleeping bags next week.
More than 50 local senior executives will take part in a CEO Sleepout on Monday (April 16), aiming to raise more than £50,000 to help combat poverty and homelessness across the city.
You can see all the York leaders taking part – and sign up yourself up – at the CEO Sleepout website
CEOs are being invited to set up their beds for the night in the stands pitch-side at York Racecourse – aiming to smash the £110,000 Sleepout fundraising target achieved by Newcastle’s business community earlier this year.
The CEO Sleepout charity was set up in 2013 by businessman Andy Preston from Middlesbrough. The first event held in the North East was such a success that ‘Sleepouts’ were rolled out across the country but it’s the first time it has been held in York.
Serious situation
Among those taking part in the city’s effort is Steve Brown, managing director at Make It York.
As he gears up to spend a night outside, he hopes the city’s Sleepout will shine a light on York’s generosity. Steve said:
Homelessness is a country-wide issue but something key partners and local charities are also working together on to try and eradicate.
I would like to see the problem solved, so time to put my money where my mouth is.
Although I won’t come close to experiencing true homelessness, I fully understand the seriousness of this situation.
Who will benefit
Set to join Steve is William Derby, chief executive, York Racecourse who helms the city’s famous racing venue.
William said: “The Sleepout initiative is a brilliant way of raising awareness of the issues and helping to generate much needed funds for local charities.
“We were delighted to take part by offering the venue and look forward to achieving our fundraising target.”
Funds raised from the York event will go to Changing Lives, who work at the front line of homelessness and rough sleeping provision in York.
Other local charities will benefit too such as Acomb’s Chill in the Community, a café, hub and arts space in Acomb, working to help break down barriers within social groups and create a positive attitude towards the area.