The charity’s biggest fundraising event of the year, on Saturday 12th October 2024, raises money to contribute towards YMCA Bournemouth’s work to support vulnerable people across Dorset. To date, BIG Sleep Easy Bournemouth has raised over £130,000 to support homeless individuals in the local area and beyond.
BIG Sleep Easy invites colleagues, friends and teams from local businesses to take part in a night sleeping outside, with participants constructing their own shelters to protect themselves from the inclement October weather. Alongside raising vital funds for charitable work, the event also aims to raise awareness and a greater understanding of the complexities of homelessness.
Statistics from early 2023 estimated that 1,095 individuals are considered homeless across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation.
“No one should be sleeping on the streets in the 21st century, this is a great cause.” Ian Girling CEO Dorset Chamber.
“YMCAB has been transforming lives in our local community for over 140 years, we still strive to serve humanity with the same compassion, hope, faith and dignity. Today, as always, we are committed to serving the community we know and love.” Gareth Sherwood, Chief Executive Officer YMCA Bournemouth
For local businesses and organisations, the BIG Sleep Easy offers the perfect opportunity for team building, informal networking, and the chance to demonstrate an organisation’s community spirit and engagement.
To find out more or if you wish to take part in the BIG Sleep Easy 2024, please contact Sheena Dayman at 07824333505 or via email at sheena.dayman@ymcabournemouth.org.uk.
You can donate to YMCA Bournemouth’s BIG Sleep Easy 2024 at https://justgiving.com/campaign/ymcabbigsleepeasy2024.
Statistics from Shelter, January 2023 are available here