DOZENS of representatives from Teesside businesses took part in a gruelling sleep out to help raise money for CEO Sleepout charity in a bid to fight against local poverty and homelessness, last Monday night.
The Middlesbrough based charity, set to raise £50,000 so far, encouraged the business executives to sleep out for more than one night to help raise awareness.
The event, with support from Stockton Council, took place in Victorian Street within Preston Park Museum. Among those taking part was Elaine McLaine-Wood of Punch Robson Solicitors, based in Stockton, who has raised more than £1,500 so far.
Reflecting on her first sleep out she said "As confident person as I am, I was very anxious beforehand, though I was reassured by the professional organisation. But I was very much out of my comfort zone. It was bitterly cold and I didn't get too much sleep.
"It does make you reflect on the things we take for granted and has made me think about helping out more at things like food banks this Christmas."
Nomi Ahmad, head of Sembcorp Energy UK based in Wilton was named as top individual fundraiser raising over £3,500. Nomi, who was joined by some of his Sembcorp colleagues, namely Matthew Scrimshaw, Natasha Wilkinson and Dave Thompson, said: "It was an extraordinary experience.
"and immensely humbling to take part in the sleepout. It gave everyone involved a real understanding of the hardship that scores of people in Teesside struggle with every night and it's good to know that every penny of the money raised will help to alleviate homelessness and poverty in this area."
"It's not easy but I'm glad i did it." Said Jo Davis of Middlesbrough firm HR Alchemy reflecting on the sleepout. "I came home cold and wet but to a nice warm house and bed. Those who sleep rough have to face that night after night, so it has changed my opinion on homelessness."
Dozens of other business executives took part in the event including Keith Miller managing director of Ecco Finishing Supplies in Middlesbrough, who was the only person taking part on Monday's event that had taken part in the very first CEO Sleepout event in 2013 outside the Riverside Stadium.
He said: "I was part of the group that did the very first event and want this to be something I do again and again. It was a tough night but it was our choice, some people don't have that choice. I had several moments to reflect and, as a result, will be offering my services to help a charity serve Christmas dinner this year."
The CEO and organiser of CEO Sleep out, said: "A massive thank you to all those who braved the rain and freezing cold conditions to make a difference to the lives of the very most disadvantage Teessiders. They didn't get much sleep but I'm sure they found it to be an enlightening experience."
Fundraisers were allowed a sleeping bag and mat, while they were also given access to hot drinks and toilets throughout the Monday night.
Founded by Andy Preston who is now the mayor of Middlesbrough, CEO Sleepout has collectively raised £2.7 million due to events across the country with nearly 3,000 business leaders sleeping out at locations which include Wembly, Lords Cricket Ground, The Alnwick Garden and Durham Cathedral.
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