Our First Centrepoint Sleepout
Thursday 10th November 2011 saw a very prestigious event take place in London's Exchange Square, Broadgate where over 650 people took part in Centrepoint's Sleep Out to aid the charity and raise vital funds for young homeless people.
Centrepoint is a leading national charity, which supports, campaigns and houses young homeless people aged 16-25. They assist young individuals to transform their lives by gaining essential life skills-tackling their mental health and physical issues. The charity not only provides a bed for the night but supports young homeless people by aiding them to move into education and employment.
The Centrepoint Sleep Out brings many people one step closer to their reality. You experience for one evening only the discomfort of sleeping outside in the cold on nothing more than cardboard boxes, surrounded by the gleaming tall buildings of the City and the hustle and bustle of Liverpool Street station. If the bright lights of the city, street cleaners, buses and late night revellers don’t keep you awake, you can guarantee the biting cold will.
For FurnitureHireUK.com's MD Daniel Smith, this is the third year running he has made the decision to 'sleep out' in support of Centrepoint. This year however, was slightly different as Daniel arrived at Exchange Square with a 12 strong team from Furniture Hire UK. Although the prospect of a cold sleepless night was, no doubt at the forefront of everyone's minds, the Furniture Hire UK team were only too pleased to be taking part in such a commendable event. The reality of being homeless and sleeping on streets became even more apparent when the team were woken at 6am Friday morning. Barely grabbing more than an hour's sleep, the whole team had to head straight into the office to begin the day. Not before a hearty breakfast however, supplied by the 'SandM Cafe'. This was gratefully received and enjoyed by all the team at Furniture Hire UK.
The whole event was an overwhelming success and the involvement not only aids Centrepoint raising valuable funds but shows solidarity for young homeless people. To date the fundraising efforts of many have managed to raise £190,000 but the charity still hope to reach their target of £250,000. It is worth sparing a thought for those living on the streets who are afflicted by hunger, hopelessness and danger.
Daniel and the team look forward to next year's fundraising event and hope to raise even more valuable funds. Well done to everyone who took part!
Our 'Just Giving' page is still active and every donation, small or large helps young homeless individuals tremendously. Help us help them.