Simon’s Big Sleep Out is now less than a month away! Here at Simon on the Streets, it’s all systems go as we get ready for up to 200 people to spend the night outside Leeds Civic Hall. All to raise vital awareness and funds that will help to break the cycle of homelessness.
We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve received for our flagship fundraiser, and we’re looking to add to the list of businesses who have already signed up. If you’ve been thinking about taking part with your teams, here’s our Senior Fundraiser to tell you a little more about it, and how your business could benefit.
Tell us a little bit about Simon’s Big Sleep Out - what can those who take part expect on the night?
For anyone taking part, there’s a lot to look forward to during the evening. With participants arriving at 7pm, each one will receive a cardboard ‘mattress’ provided by our main event sponsor, DUSK.com, who are taking part in the event for the second year running.
Alongside a couple of talks from the team about the work we do, there’ll be live musical entertainment from Love Leeds Events, complimentary food, and warm and cold drinks available to everyone throughout the evening. Participants will also be able to take part in a fun quiz, brilliantly organised by the amazing KwizzBit.
The following morning, those who slept out will enjoy a complimentary, and very well-deserved, warm breakfast sandwich and drink. This is being very kindly provided once again by the truly amazing Rapid Relief Team UK - we’re so grateful for their support.
All in all, we’ve got a really great event to look forward to.
How are the preparations going?
The preparations for Simon’s Big Sleep Out are going strong. Everyone’s coming together and it’s all going really well! As a team, we’re grateful for the large amount of interest already shown - both from the business community and individual Supporters.
With 200 places available for the event, I’m speaking with a number of businesses about taking part (a really enjoyable part of my job), so if you’re reading this and you’re thinking about it - please just get in touch! We want to see as many people there as possible.
Why does this event matter so much to Simon on the Streets?
Simon’s Big Sleep Out is our flagship fundraising event, and it’s very important to the charity for several reasons. Alongside the vital funds raised by the amazing participants, the event helps us to shine a spotlight on several issues surrounding rough sleeping, including the serious impact of social isolation.
The event also gives us the opportunity to express our appreciation and gratitude to all the amazing businesses and individuals who support Simon on the Streets in so many valuable ways.
What would you say to any business leader or teams who are thinking about signing up?
I’d say do it! Simon’s Big Sleep Out offers businesses a great opportunity to support a charity and worthwhile cause, as well as providing the perfect platform for a valuable team bonding exercise for business leaders and their teams.
Here at Simon on the Streets, we have lots of amazing opportunities for businesses to link with our charity, whether through our 5 for 5 partnership, our networking events, or both!
To learn more about the benefits of signing up for Simon’s Big Sleep Out, or linking with Simon on the Streets as a 5 for 5 partner, join us at our next monthly corporate social event, on Thursday 28th October 6pm-8pm at the amazing Gaucho in Leeds. It’s free to attend and you can book your spot here.
How important is it for businesses to have a corporate social responsibility plan? What benefits do businesses see?
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has always been really important for businesses, and having a strategy that allows companies to get behind a common cause is an absolute win-win for businesses and charities alike.
From an employee perspective, people like to know that they’re working for a business that cares about more than just its profits, and will enjoy coming together as a team to get involved with fundraising events. On that basis, CSR can really help when it comes to the recruitment and retention of staff.
Add to that the exposure, marketing and brand reputation benefits, and it’s not hard to see why so many businesses are choosing to support a charitable cause. Here at Simon on the Streets, we’re always happy to welcome new corporate support!
What do you hope that those people taking part will take away from the experience?
I hope everyone who participates in Simon’s Big Sleep Out will have a great experience. When it comes to the things I’d like them to take away, there are so many. As a starter for 10, I’d like people to leave the event with:
- Thoughts of a memorable experience and an enhanced sense of how vital their support is to Simon on the Streets.
- An increased understanding of the issues faced by rough sleepers.
- A stronger understanding of the various benefits that could arise from choosing to partner with Simon on the Streets moving forward.
Simon’s Big Sleep Out takes place on Thursday 19th October 2023. It’s £25 plus booking fee per person to take part, with the aim of raising at least £100 in sponsorship. You can book your spot here.
Remember that for every person who enters, DUSK.com will be donating a bedding bundle to a homeless accommodation provider in Leeds. Your support can make all the difference.