Why the CEO Sleepout makes a difference

Mark Quigley, managing partner of Sintons, recently took part in the CEO Sleepout in Durham, a national initiative which sees business and community leaders spending a night sleeping outdoors to highlight the growing issues of poverty and homelessness, as well as to raise vital funds to benefit charities in their local area. Here, he shares his thoughts on his experience

“I committed to taking part in CEO Sleepout as homelessness is a major problem in our society. I believe in equality for all yet there is a significant growing inequality in our society. It cannot be right that, given the wealth of our country, there are so many people forced to sleep rough on our streets.

“While I certainly would not compare my night sleeping outside in Durham Cathedral to the hardships so many people face on a daily and nightly basis, it was a very eye-opening experience which did give me some insight into what it may be like, as well as giving the opportunity for reflection. I was fortunate that the weather was good, it stayed dry and was mild, but during bad weather it must be truly dreadful to have no choice but to sleep outdoors.

“There was a great camaraderie and very nice group of people taking part in the CEO Sleepout, with everyone determined to make their own contribution, however small, to improving the situation with homelessness and poverty in our region and across the country. There were presentations from two of the beneficiary charities, Changing Lives and Hospitality & Hope, which helped us to understand the difference our fundraising would make, and a very thought-provoking theatrical performance from the East Durham College Drama Group, looking at the use of foodbanks in our area.

“CEO Sleepout is a very important initiative, which helps to highlight such an important and growing issue in our society, and we all should do our bit, whenever possible, to help change this situation. I have received so much support and generous donations since signing up for CEO Sleepout, and my grateful thanks go to everyone who has wished me well or has donated. Thanks particularly to Optimise for their support, and to the members of Durham Business Club who collectively donated – your money will be going to some truly fantastic causes to help homeless people and those living in poverty in our region.”

Any further donations can be made by visiting Mark’s fundraising page.