Professionals from all sectors of industry, MPs and Peers gave up a night of comfort by sleeping out in the elements at London’s The Kia Oval cricket ground last month on 10 October to mark World Homeless Day and to raise funds for Depaul International and Depaul UK.
Around 100 people slept out overnight at the event including MPs The Rt Hon Nick Herbert CBE, Will Quince, Adam Holloway, Sandy Martin and Gillian Keegan, Peers Baroness Suttie and Baroness Grender, and business leaders including News UK Chief Operating Officer David Dinsmore.
Nick said: “This is an incredibly important issue. Homelessness is of growing concern and it is important to draw attention to it. I am particularly keen to support Depaul on World Homeless Day and I know what brilliant work the charity does both in the UK and internationally.”
Jason Eades, Depaul International’s Senior Partnerships Manager said: “I am so proud of our Depaul International sleepers for sleeping out, never an easy thing to do in October, for what is a truly thought provoking experience.
“I am delighted to say that to date Depaul International’s 20 sleepers have raised almost £28,000 between them to support our vital work in the UK and overseas and to help us in our mission to end homelessness once and for all. On behalf of all staff and clients involved with Depaul International I want to send my immense thanks to all our sleepers.”
Depaul UK CEO Mike Thiedke said: “Depaul Sleepout is a powerful event which changes perceptions about people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“It brings together London’s dynamic and caring business community who do so much to support our work in Britain and abroad
“Giving up the comfort of your bed to help people who are marginalised and living in isolation is a humbling, valuable and memorable experience.”
Over the past four years, Depaul has persuaded chief executives and senior industry professionals, MPs and Peers to sleep out to raise funds for its work in prestigious venues – including Wembley Stadium, Lord’s Cricket Ground, and Somerset House.
This year’s event featured a rousing performance by singer and Depaul UK client Jecoliah.
. . . and Depaul Slovakia lends its support! Depaul Slovakia sent its fundraiser and communications officer Zuzka Kuhová to support Depaul Sleepout – fresh from her experience of her charity’s sleepout in Bratislava in late September.
To register your interest in next year’s sleepout, prospective sleepers should email Jason Eades.
