‘Sleep with Simon’ event raises nearly £700

Last week, a number of brave Torque employees left the comfort of their homes to sleep out for a night, raising nearly £700 for Simon on the Streets. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated and donated.

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Attendees: Simon Whitby, Sean Glynn, Jonathan Hill, Alan Marsden, Simon Hobson, Talen Kennedy

“Torque staff willingly took part and braved the cold night. We are incredibly grateful to them for supporting our big event and for being a valuable corporate partner. Without them and others, we cannot do what we do to support the homeless in our communities.”

Fahad Khan
Business Development Manager, Simon on the Streets

Simon who?
Simon on the Streets is an independent charity that supports homeless and vulnerable people on the streets. Read more about what they do here.

Why is Torque involved?
Each year, Torque staff vote on a shortlist of organisations to be our Community Partner. This year it’s Simon on the Streets, so all of the money we raise through fundraising gets donated to them.

What is the ‘Sleep with Simon’ event?
It’s an annual fundraising activity organised by Simon on the Streets. Participants sleep outside for the night and learn a bit more about the challenges of sleeping rough.

What kind of challenges do you learn about?

The first hurdle is the physical part: when you’re used to sleeping in a warm house and a comfortable bed, spending the night outside, on the ground, and with limited supplies and facilities is a huge challenge in itself.

“It brings home a little of what homeless people go through physically, but not the emotional part.”
Simon Hobson, Wakefield

Did they raise awareness of the emotional challenges too?
Yes. Throughout the night, Simon on the Streets put on various activities designed to educate attendees on some of the more complicated and lesser-known issues surrounding homelessness. Members of Simon on the Streets’ outreach teams were there too, so everyone present had the opportunity to listen and learn from their first-hand experience in supporting vulnerable people.

“It made me think how lucky I am to have a job, house and loving family.”
Jonathan Hill, WO6

Was the event successful?
This year’s sleepout brought together over 120 people who collectively raised £26,000. Feedback from Torque employees included:

“Really good experience and really well organised.”
“Very thought-provoking.”
“Brought home the terror people must feel.”

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