CEO Sleepout Birmingham

Business leaders commit to sleeping rough at Villa Park on Thursday 14th May

On Thursday 14 May, charities Thrive Together Birmingham, Church Urban Fund, Villa in the Community and CEO Sleepout UK are joining forces to give business executives the opportunity to do their part to tackle poverty deprivation and disadvantage throughout Birmingham. Leading business figures from across the city will come together to sleep outdoors for one night at Villa Park and raise vital funds for the poorest and most marginalised.

Key business figures from across Birmingham have already committed to participating include; Mark Rogers CEO, Birmingham City Council, Russell Jeans Business Services Director, Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Spencer Wright CEO Dains Accountants and Rt Revd David Urquhart Bishop of Birmingham.

Established as the Church of England’s response to poverty, Church Urban Fund set up the Together Network to enhance the work of local churches and provide support so they can reach even further and change things for the better. Working with Thrive Together Birmingham and the Diocese of Birmingham, Church Urban Fund have already supported supported 543 projects in Birmingham to a value of £5.1m.

“CEO sleep out is a practical way of putting compassion into action, following in the steps of Jesus who put the wellbeing of others before his family, religious laws and his own comfort and livelihood. I hope this event will not only raise much-needed funds for Church Urban Fund but also raise awareness of the unjust distribution of wealth and other resources and the inequality which diminishes all our lives” Said Bishop David Urquhart, who will be participating in the sleepout.

Mark Rogers, Birmingham City Council CEO stated "My job is all about making a positive difference everyday to people's lives. So, what better way to turn this rhetoric into reality by raising money to provide support to some of the most vulnerable in our city. I believe we have an inescapable responsibility to help those finding it hard to help themselves - so the least I can do is sleep out for a night to show my commitment. I'd be grateful if, in turn, you'd show yours by committing your cash!"

Russell Jeans said “The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is delighted to be assosciated with this important event with CEO Sleepout UK. We hope that our participation will help raise the profile of the issue of homelessness to our network of members, customers and stakeholders which in turn will lead to added support for now and in the future.

Spencer Wright said “Dains Accountants are very pleased to be working with CEOSleepoutUK as a Supporting Sponsor on this inaugural event in Birmingham. I will be representing the firm on the 14th May but also hope to encourage many of the CEO’s and Managing Directors of our sizeable client base in the Midlands to join me in the challenge. Sacrificing one night of comfort is a small price to pay to raise awareness and funds for those who have been forced into homelessness.”
To participate send your name, title, photograph and email address to Elissa Flindell at Church Urban Fund, elissa.flindell@cuf.org.uk or call 0207 898 1091. For more information, see the website http://www.ceosleepoutuk.com/birmingham.html