U.K. self-storage operator Safestore Holdings PLC is donating 1,500 cardboard boxes and plastic sheeting to support the Big SleepOut 2016 on Dec. 2 at the Hillingdon Athletics Stadium in Uxbridge, England. Designed to raise awareness and funding for homelessness, the event is now in its eighth year and sponsored by Trinity, a local nonprofit that helps the homeless through a variety of programs. Drinks, food and live music will be available until midnight, then participants will go to their boxes for the remainder of the event.
It’s the fourth year Safestore has supported the cause. Employees will hand out boxes and sheeting, and some will participate in the sleepover, according to the Trinity website.
“The team at Trinity are tireless in their efforts to raise awareness of the issue and money to help those that it effects,” said Dave Cox, director of marketing for Safestore.
Participants can register as individuals or a group. Registration is £10, and partakers are also encouraged to reach a fundraising goal of £250. Last year’s event raised more than £165,000. Trinity aims to raise £200,000 this year.
Homelessness has gone up by 127 percent in London in the last five years, yet funding for homelessness provisions in the city has reduced, according to Trinity.
Safestore operates 131 self-storage facilities, including 95 facilities it owns in the U.K. and 24 in France. Its wholly owned properties comprise more than 5 million square feet of storage space, while its entire portfolio serves approximately 49,000 customers.
Sources:
- Trinity: Website
