Supporting Homeless Charities in the UK, One CEO Sleepout at a Time

On the eve of the Easter bank holiday weekend, 13 RingCentral colleagues took to their gardens and floors to sleep rough for the night and support an incredible cause. 

CEO Sleepout is a charity that tackles homelessness and poverty in the UK. It relies on funds raised by businesses and community leaders. RingCentral UK has been involved in CEO Sleepout events three times now. Each time, the number of colleagues grows.

A night we won’t soon forget

As light turned to darkness on the 1st of April, 250 companies from all over the country tuned in to RingCentral Video as they settled in their sleeping bags. Throughout the night, we heard heartfelt stories from CEO Sleepout’s Bianca Robinson and the inspiring beneficiaries. 

We learnt about the extent of homelessness in the UK today, and speakers shared how unimaginably difficult it has been for vulnerable people during the pandemic. According to the latest UK Government figures, approximately 2,688 people sleep rough on a single night throughout the UK. While we will hopefully never truly understand these experiences ourselves, our eyes have been opened. 

After listening to the speakers, a community-based charity, the Radlett Musical Theatre Company (RMTC), shared a recording dedicated to the CEO Sleepout. As a member of RMTC and a representative for RingCentral, I was proud to introduce the Radlett members who performed a song from the musical “Dear Evan Hansen” called “You Will Be Found.” The song’s meaning is that no matter what struggles you’re facing, despite how you may feel alone in the world, you’re not alone.

Smashed the fundraising target

As the broadcast came to a close, we all knew that we’d have a lot to think about moving forward. While we can’t overcome homelessness overnight, everyone who took part helped the charity surpass its fundraising target, raising a total of £35,500. We hope that by sponsoring we helped CEO Sleepout raise even more awareness of all the team does, and the local causes it supports nationwide. 

Fundraising is still open, so if you would like to donate, please visit any of the following pages. Steve Rafferty, Ben Hollyer, Deven Chauhan, Chloe Woods, Silvia Campean, Samantha Clayton, Alan McIntosh, Fran Miller, Jane Symonds and her beautiful dog, Nellie, Mark Finnigan, Martin Blake, Natalie McGathan and I.  

As we spring forward into the warmer months, we’ve lined up other initiatives to support our communities and employees. But if you have ideas on the activities we can run throughout the year, then please leave a comment. Watch this space to find out more about what’s coming up in April and beyond.