Sleep out raises tens of thousands for charity

A sleep out organised by YMCA Derbyshire has raised tens of thousands of pounds for people at risk of homelessness and poverty.

Earlier this month, the charity staged its 14th Sleep Easy event at Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Almost 100 participants from businesses, schools and other organisations braved the cold and windy conditions by spending as night in makeshift shelters, cardboard boxes and sleeping bags.

Among them were a number of Marketing Derby Bondholders including Althaus Digital, Absolute Networks, Cosy Direct, Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derby and Burton Hospitals, Flint Bishop, Howden, Repton School and Toyota Manufacturing UK.

Together, they managed to raise almost £27,000 for YMCA Derbyshire and Padley@YMCA Derbyshire.

Gillian Sewell, chief executive at YMCA Derbyshire, said: “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the community for our Sleep Easy event.

“Events like these help us raise awareness and funds to make sure that we can continue to provide essential services and support.

“The money raised will go directly towards providing support for those most in need in the form of warm meals, a community pantry and kitchen, therapeutic counselling, diversionary and horticulture activities, work-based programmes and volunteering opportunities.

“Our work will continue to enable individuals that are supported by us to progress along their positive pathways and enter training, education and/or employment and to move on to live independently.”