CEO Sleepout is a charity run across the country to fight homelessness and poverty. Every year, business owners and executives come together to sleep outside for one night to raise funds for two local charities that help to fight homelessness and poverty.
This year Milton Keynes CEO's are sleeping outside, whilst usually each year they come together at the MK Dons Stadium, due to restrictions, this year they are taking it to their back garden. On Monday 19th April 2021 our local CEO's will be sleeping outside, most will be updating how they are feeling, what they are up to all through their business and personal social media platforms.
So who are the two charities working with CEO Sleepout MK that you can help raise awareness and funds for? We caught up with Charlotte, CEO of MK Charities who is taking part in the sleepout to discuss:
YMCA MK
"YMCA MK are a charity who provides safe housing whether that's independent or shared hostel, supporting young vulnerable people here in our Milton Keynes. I've actually seen YMCA MK support people I know and the difference it's made is outstanding. They give our young community a second chance. They help the vulnerable be able to find themselves again, to direct them to a path they want to discover that makes a positive impact to their life and guides them to better opportunities. YMCA MK do this by not only providing a bed for them to sleep in but through support, advice, training and education to help them get back on track."
MK Dons Sports and Education Trust
"A charity who I actually only found out about when I started MK Charities, they have been an inspiration for what they have done for our community not only over the years but especially through lockdown. To put it short, MK Dons SET is an independent charity aligned to our Milton Keynes Dons Football Club to help improve the lives and experiences of our local community. The minute we went into lockdown MK Dons SET adapted their services so they could continue to support the community, they did this by working with local organisations to provide a food larder and help with emergency food deliveries to those in need. They also changed their coaching to online, including online workshops for disabled participants to enjoy and so much more"
She continued to say "Last years CEO Sleepout MK was unfortunately cancelled however we have seen an incredible response to all CEO's fundraising, especially Dean Bowditch, the Community Ambassador for MK Dons SET who has managed to now raise over £2,000. Monday 19th April 2021 will be a night to remember. A night that gives the smallest idea of what it's like to be vulnerable and homeless. I lost my job in the pandemic and I couldn't imagine where I would be if I wasn't still living at home with my parents. This day will be to really showcase our Milton Keynes community, a city where the words 'togetherness' and 'How can I help?' is used daily."
How to support CEO Sleepout MK, YMCA MK and MK Dons SET? MK Charities and 50 other MK Businesses are asking you to help spread the word with what they are doing, share charities posts, follow CEO Sleepout's journey and donate to help raise vital funds for these charities.
Charlotte will be documenting throughout the day and night over on her instagram:
and you can make a donation by clicking here.