Sleep-out raises £12k

The 2012 sleep-out was a great success, raising more than £12,000 for two charities.

The event, to highlight homelessness, was one of the biggest of its kind in the country. The money will be divided between support charity Emmaus Medway and The Alzheimer’s Society – our staff chosen charity for 2012.

A massive 92 people gave up their warm beds to sleep outside in cardboard boxes on Saturday, January 28. Sleepers braved the cold and slept outside in the car park, right next to the river Medway. They set up their boxes from 5pm onwards ready for the event to begin at 9pm. Everyone was required to sleep out until 6am on Sunday.

Madeline Chainey PR Manager said: “We had a tremendous response from local people, businesses and our partner organisations. Some of the sleepers have raised serious amounts of money for two very good causes. Although this event is a challenge with an underlying serious message about homelessness, it’s also a fun evening. There’s nothing like a night spent in a cardboard box to make you appreciate your nice warm bed and it certainly makes you think about what it must be like not to have a home.

“We really appreciate the support and generosity of our business partners and those people who have donated supplies to us.”

To see fantastic pictures of the event go to Find us on Facebook

(January 2012)