Nearly 200 representatives from local businesses will be sleeping under the stars on Saturday 16th November as part of YMCA Bournemouth’s ‘Big Sleep Easy 2019’.
The event is designed to raise awareness of local homelessness. It will also fund projects that aim to keep individuals safe from homelessness over the long-term.
Dorset Chamber executives along with more than 40 local businesses will come together at The Bournemouth Sports Club (Chapel Gate). They will build shelters out of cardboard boxes and sleep outside for a night.
Martin Stockley is the Senior Operations Manager at YMCA Bournemouth. He said: “We are particularly impressed by the number of Dorset Chamber (DCCI) members happy to give up a night in the warmth of their homes to support some of the most vulnerable people in their community.”
Last year YMCA Bournemouth’s inaugural Big Sleep Easy raised almost £25,000 towards the charities work. Over 120 fundraisers and 40 businesses are expected to enter this year.
Dorset Chamber CEO Ian Girling and others in the organisation are backing the Big Sleep easy. Ian said: “No one should be sleeping on the streets in the 21st century and in fact this problem seems to be getting worse.
“As a Chamber we are really keen to back the great work of YMCA Bournemouth in providing support for people experiencing homelessness and are really pleased to be taking part in the Bournemouth Big Sleep Easy.”