De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU)’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Katie Normington is set to spend the night under the stars in Leicester’s first ever CEO Sleepout to help raise money for local homeless charities.
The first ever event in Leicester will take place at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on April 6, 2023 at 8pm, seeing Leicester’s business community come together to help tackle homelessness locally.
Organised by The Leicester Tigers Foundation, CEO Sleepout is a national initiative aiming to raise vital funds and awareness of the growing issue of homelessness across the country by asking business leaders and executives to spend a night outside.
Professor Normington said: “It didn’t take me long to agree to this when I was first asked by Leicester Tigers. The club has always been a very supportive partner to DMU, recently supporting students in lockdown by offering online fitness classes.
“But more importantly, there are a lot of homeless people around Leicester and I saw this as a way to give more concerted support than buying the odd hot chocolate. The sleepout will raise awareness – both my own and more widely – of the challenges faced by homeless people, along with money to directly support people affected by homelessness.”
To sponsor Prof Normington, and donate to CEO Sleepout, click here.
Chief executive of the CEO Sleepout charity, Bianca Robinson said: “Business leaders have the power, the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure they are active within communities and play a role in strengthening the fabric of society.
“It is my hope that while looking up at the stars at 3am, they will consider actions they can take as leaders, and enforce these into their business to create greater social impact.”
Speaking of the main aim of CEO Sleepout in Leicester, Bianca added: “We aim to raise big money to support charities on the frontline of homelessness in the city, and at the same time bring business leaders together to gain a deeper understanding of the issues around homelessness locally.”
Key players in the city have supported the organisers of the charity in bringing the sleepout event to the area, particularly Leicester Tigers, who have agreed to host the sleepout and Lord Lieutenant Mike Kapur, a signatory on the Leicester Homeless Charter, and Vice Lord-Lieutenant Murray Colvill.
Funds raised at this event will support charities under the Leicester Homeless Charter, CEO Sleepout UK and the Leicester Tigers Foundation.
To date, CEO Sleepout has raised an incredible £3.6 million from events across the country, helping to support those who find themselves sleeping on the streets.
More information about CEO Sleepout can be found here.
Posted on Friday 31 March 2023