Firms prepare to Sleep Out

May 2 2008 Chester Chronicle

SOME of the region’s employers are preparing to sleep under the stars and raise funds for homeless families.

Participants from several firms will be joining homelessness charity Save the Family on the streets of Chester as it stages its inaugural sponsored Sleep Out.

The charity, which provides emergency accommodation, training and support to struggling families from throughout the North West and North Wales, is hoping to raise both funds and awareness during the event at Chester Cathedral.

The Sleep Out, which coincides with International Day of Families, is open to individuals and organisations.

The May 16 fundraiser will be held in the Dean’s field and participants will have access to facilities and hot drinks throughout.

Global industry leader Unilever has already pledged its support for the event by donating soup and supplies.

All money raised will be used to fund the charity’s Cotton Hall Farm development on the outskirts of Chester. Once complete, the farmhouse and outbuildings will house 26 family units, training facilities and a children’s centre.

Event entry forms are available from Save the Family and must be returned by May 9. An individual entry fee of £15 (£50 for teams of up to five people) is applicable and this covers running costs including insurance, staffing and equipment.

For further information, contact Gemma Ryder by calling 01244 333490 or e-mailing gemma.ryder@savethefamily.uk.com.