Following on from last year’s hugely successful YMCA Sleep Easy in Sutton town centre, local Creative and Digital Agency Plott Creative have pledged their early support as the main sponsor of the 2020 event taking place on Friday 27th March next year. The entire Plott team will be swapping their beds for boxes in an attempt to raise much-needed funds for local children’s charity YMCA Sutton Coldfield.
Anna Plotnek, Managing Director of Plott Creative tells us why she was so keen to get on board:
We’re always proud to support local causes particularly ones that address such important social issues affecting so many. High housing costs mean one in three working families are only one pay cheque away from losing their homes, so the issue is very real and much closer to home than we think. We urge as many businesses and individuals as possible to get involved to help raise awareness.
Anna Plotnek, Plott Creative
This year’s event saw 125 people sleeping out in the cold in the annual YMCA Sleep Easy challenge which is now going into its 11th year. The ambitious charity is looking to get more than 200 people to brave hard floors and freezing temperature for just one night in March 2020 in a bid to raise awareness and funds to prevent youth homelessness. In particular, they’re looking for local Sutton businesses to unite and show young people that they’re not alone.
Kate Curry, founder and director of the Curry Design Studio and Business Coach Clare Whalley from Meta4 Business Coaching have already signed up for the challenge and are hoping that many other local businesses will follow suit.
The team at Ark Media have also been quick to pledge their support:
The YMCA Sleep Easy event is a great way to raise money for a worthy cause by experiencing just some of the hardship of sleeping rough. This year I brought my 9 year old daughter Chloe along as I felt it was important for her to experience what it can be like to live on the streets. It’s such a great event that the Ark team have already signed up for next year!
Phil Arkinstall, Managing Director, Ark Media
The event aims to bring businesses and local members of the community together to raise awareness but to also have fun. Headlining the event will be the talented Carrick Music; the local vocal duo Caroline and Rick enjoyed the 2019 event so much, they have already signed up to provide live music once again in March 2020. And local massage therapist Alexandra O’Dea from Birmingham Clinical Massage is another early supporter offering relaxing massages for participants on the night.
YMCA Sutton Coldfield has hosted Sleep Easy nights since 2009 and last year raised over £13k, transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people in Sutton Coldfield. Money raised paid for 1-2-1 support, mentoring and coaching for young carers and residents in crisis as well as much needed practical items such as mattresses, bedding and a daily breakfast for people staying at the local charity.
The charity, which works with over 1000 young people and their families each year, not only provides accommodation to prevent youth homelessness but also provides crucial support and respite services for young carers and disabled children and adults.
How to get involved:
If you and your team are looking to take on a fun challenge that doesn’t require any training, this could be the event for you! We’d love to see as many Sutton businesses sign up as possible, showing their support for a community charity. We’re always looking for people to provide food, drinks and entertainment too so if you are able to donate your goods or services to our event, please do get in touch.
Anita Ellis, Marketing Manager, YMCA Sutton Coldfield
To register for the Sleep Easy Challenge on Friday 27th March 2020, you can find the event on Facebook (YMCA Sutton Coldfield), sign up online at Eventbrite and ymcasc.org.uk or contact Anita Ellis on 0121 354 5614.
