Welsh businesses joined a national sleepout, Boycott your Bed, at Action for Children’s Headlands School in Penarth and raised almost £10,000 for the charity.
The night saw teams from Arcadis, WCS Agency, Acorn Recruitment, Target Group and Jojo Maman Bebe sleeping out to raise vital funds to help vulnerable children. The event was sponsored by Lenovo, who returned as National Supporting Partner for the second year.
On the night, guests took part in various fundraising activities at the indoor reception including a silent auction and quiz. Guest speakers from Action for Children shared their stories, showing how funds raised will be used to directly help children and families.
Teams then moved outside where they spent the night with only a sleeping mat and bag to protect them from the elements.
So far, the sleepouts have raised £270,000 and counting, a figure expected to rise as sleepers continue to fundraise. Boycott your Bed is now in its 27th year and has raised £14 million to help make sure children have what they need for a safe and happy childhood – like warm clothes, hot meals and a proper bed, as well as mental health support and protection from neglect and abuse.
Nina Rice, Interim Senior Stewardship and Engagement Manager for Action for Children in Wales, said:
“It was a very chilly night so we are very grateful to all who slept out for the vulnerable children we proudly support in Wales and across the UK. It was a lot of fun but we never lost sight of the reason they were out there. The passion and commitment to the cause was brilliant to see and we look forward to raising even more money next year for the children and young people who need it most in our communities.”
Locks Farmer, Managing Director of Income and Engagement at Action for Children said:
“4.3 million children now live in poverty in the UK – that’s 30% of all children.
“Growing up in poverty is one of the biggest barriers a child can face, both now and in their futures. No child’s tomorrow should be defined by what they don’t have today.
“Thanks to the amazing efforts of those who slept out – not just in Penarth; also in Leeds, Glasgow, Belfast and London – Action for Children can continue to provide children with a safe, warm place to sleep and help make incredible difference to their lives.”
Philip Oldham, Marketing Director, Lenovo UK & Ireland, said:
“The Lenovo team is delighted to have participated in a second year of Boycott your Bed as National Partner. Lenovo’s partnership with Action for Children shows that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand to create a powerful force for change for young people, and we look forward to continuing to work together closely moving forwards.”
