Tees Business Tees Business issue 19 | Page 93

The voice of business in the Tees region | 93 Don’t sleep on it How it all began - Teesside business executives at the first-ever CEO Sleepout at Middlesbrough FC. Commit now to raise funds to fight local homelessness D o something amazing for the most disadvantaged Teessiders. That’s the call to the local business community as Tees Business again supports CEO Sleepout. The region’s business publication is backing Middlesbrough-based charity CEO Sleepout by encouraging the region’s business executives to sleep out for one night to make a stand – and raise funds - against local poverty and homelessness. With support from Stockton Council, the outdoor Victorian Street within Preston Park Museum will play host to an event organisers promise will make a lasting impact on all participants. Tees Business co-editor Dave Allan is calling on local business managers and directors to join him in a bid to smash the £45,000 mark a sleepout achieved three years ago when our magazine threw its weight behind the campaign. He said: “Giving up your bed for a night might not be a great prospect, but lots of Teessiders don’t have a home to call their own – and we can help them by taking part in this sleepout event. “You don’t have to be a CEO – or even a director. We’re calling on managers, directors and anyone of high profile to join us and help make a difference. “The business community can definitely raise more than £50,000 if we join forces to make this happen – and together we can make a huge impact in showing what a Charity - Tees special place the Tees Business co-editor Valley is.” Dave Allan (left) Funds raised with CEO Sleepout will also be shared founder Andy Preston and CEO with various local Bianca Robinson. homelessness and poverty causes. Fundraisers are allowed to take along a sleeping bag and mat, whilst warm clothes are recommended. There will also be access to hot drinks and toilets available throughout the night. Each participant is asked to raise as much money in sponsorship as possible – targeting £1,000 - with funds going to local charities fighting poverty and homelessness. CEO Sleepout Teesside takes place at Preston Park Museum on the night of Monday, November 11. To register, visit www.ceosleepoutuk.com Set to sleep Among those signed up to take part in CEO Sleepout Teesside are: Nomi Ahmad (Sembcorp) Bianca Robinson (CEO Sleepout) David Downing (Joslin Rhodes) Gareth Jones (The Endeavour Partnership) Debra Thornton (South Tees Hospitals) Debbie Coulson (Teesside Hospice) Keith Hurst (Teesside University) Matthew Telling (Solutions Recruitment) Steve Gill (Lemontop Creative) Susan Luke (Henderson Insurance Brokers) Paul Tomlinson (Sembcorp) Dave Allan (Tees Business)