Have you ever considered the Journey of a Box?
From Store and Secure to SUEZ via local businesses, many DCCI members, providing hope and security for those “when the going gets tough”.
Now in its 4th year, boxes were collected from Store and Secure for the annual YMCA Bournemouth BIG Sleep Easy Event where just under 40 people took part. The boxes were expertly constructed into temporary shelters for the night. Main sponsor, Lester Aldridge, were taking part for the 4th year, this time with a team of 14 and were pleased with their achievements. Mark Benham, Head of Estates, said, “Our structural engineering and architectural skills have come on leaps and bounds since last year, raising money to support a brilliant charity that makes a significant difference in our community’. We are already planning for 2023”.
Despite the rain, ALL were still dry in the morning and ready for the pack down and preparation of the boxes for collecting by SUEZ a few days later.
YMCA Bournemouth believe that everyone should be able to fulfil their potential in Mind, Body and Spirit, and it was especially good to have staff from the Children’s Centres, Housing and Full Circle Counselling taking part. Funds raised will be supporting all these aspects of our work. First Aid and Security for the night was provided by The Junction, Broadstone. It had special significance that the shelters this year were judged by an ex-resident who was pleased to answer some questions about his experience of the YMCAs with support given to him. In due course winners will be announced together with top fundraisers who will receive gifts thanks to other sponsors – The Balmer Lawn Hotel, White Buck, Bournemouth Highcliffe Marriott, The Green House, Hilton Hotel, Beach House Hotel, Holiday Inn, Cumberland, Hermitage, Commodore and Village Hotel.
This journey could not take place without the many sponsors and businesses taking part. Many thanks to Lester Aldridge, BIZ Space, Lewis Investment, St James Place, Woodstock Legal Services, King Financial Services, Octima, and Castlepoint. Forerunner for soup, Paul Collins photography, Talbot Heath School for an amazing venue, Tesco donated bacon, sausage, and baps. Participants donated a total of £180.00 for the breakfast that was given to the Winton Salvation Army who cooked it and served them.
Cool Coffee Cart provide additional refreshment during the evening.
Other boxes were sourced at Castlepoint, stored at ACE Office Environments then delivered to 10 schools by Economy Hire, before these are also collected by SUEZ, each school has a DCCI sponsor.