Harrogate business leaders spend a winter’s night under the stars to fight homelessness

Last Thursday saw businesses from across Harrogate came together to raise money and awareness to fight poverty and homelessness in Harrogate.

Dozens braved the cold temperatures, giving up their beds to spend a night in Harrogate Rugby Union Football Club sleeping under the stars, as part of a CEO Sleepout

The event sees business leaders from the local area experience one night of ‘sleeping rough’, while fundraising for charities that tackle poverty and homelessness.

One of the charities that has benefitted from the fundraising event is Changing Lives, which has been supporting people experiencing homelessness for nearly 50 years.

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Local businesses that took part on behalf of Changing Lives, included: Ignata Recruitment, Compass Community Ltd, Positive Plus One, and Solutions Page Ltd.

Before the Harrogate sleepout had even started, more than £22,000 had already been raised by the participants with the total expected to rise once all donations and sponsorships have been collected.

Changing Lives is a nationwide charity that delivers a range of support services across North Yorkshire. It provides specialist support for people experiencing homelessness and drug and alcohol addiction, including providing advice around financial inclusion, support with finding safe accommodation, and group and 1-to-1 sessions.

Jade Brown, fundraising manager for Changing Lives, took part in the Sleepout and said: “It was brilliant to see such a great turnout and the community spirit of local businesses coming together to raise money for people who need it most. The funds raised will make a real impact on the lives of people we support across Yorkshire.”

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