On Thursday, March 2 over 100 property professionals slept out at Cambridge University Rugby Football Club (CURFC) and raised over £20,000 for YMCA trinity.
YMCA Trinity focuses on building proactive and sustainable communities with an emphasis on supporting young people and helping them to realise their full potential on their journey from dependence to independence.
This includes housing, childcare, health and fitness, youth projects, youth justice services, mental health counselling, employability programmes and much more.
All funds raised through the Cambridge SleepOut will be directed towards an upcoming large capital build project, supporting young people who are experiencing homelessness.
March 2 saw nearly 1,300 property professionals across seven locations nationwide come together to raise over £500,000 to support young people experiencing homelessness.
The headline sponsor for the event was Knight Frank, alongside regional sponsor Bidwells in Cambridge, with the event hosted by Cambridge University Rugby Football.
The event also received cardboard boxes from Crown Workspace for everyone to sleep on, and Hunter Ops provided the signage required for each venue.
Paul Morrish, LandAid’s chief executive, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who joined me in braving the freezing cold in Cambridge and beyond. It’s amazing to see the event grow year on year. The support we have received across the country has been incredible with 7 locations, as well as those sleeping out home, coming together for one very important cause.
“While the experience gives everyone a very good idea of how tough sleeping outside is, one night outside does not replicate the true reality of rough sleeping that faces thousands of young people all over the UK.
“With the efforts of hundreds from the property industry, we have raised enough funds to make a real difference by providing safe and secure places for young people who can now focus on building a brighter future, rather than worrying about their night-to-night sleeping spot.”
Nick Pettit, senior partner at Bidwells, said: “The Landaid SleepOut is always a challenging event for everyone who takes part. But we know there are countless young people in our city facing this energy-sapping challenge each and every day of their lives. We are pleased to be playing our small part in helping give young people a route out of homelessness.”
Jonathan Martin, chief executive officer of YMCA Trinity said: “By sleeping out people have seen a glimpse at what it’s like to be homeless, but at the same time raising funds the YMCA Trinity. We will use this support to give young people experiencing homelessness an affordable and safe space where they can build their independence, skills, look for training or education and live as part of a community.”
If you would like to support, donations are still being accepted for the 2023 SleepOut, which can be made here.
Photographer credit: Nick Beard
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