FRG’s Group Commercial Director, Troy Moffatt, and Operations Director, Mike Bell, are taking part in “CEO Sleepout” on October 24th, 2022, at Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, to raise awareness of the plight of those facing poverty and homelessness.
Homelessness and poverty are on the rise and CEO Sleepout events aim highlight and tackle this issue in many of the UK’s major cities by asking business leaders, owners and execs to give up the comfort and warmth of their beds for one night and sleep outside. This is the sixth event of its kind in Manchester with sleep-outs also happening in cities across the country.
Everyone who takes part is asked to raise funds for the cause and money raised from the event will go towards fighting poverty and homelessness, with the vast majority of the funds staying in the local area.
Troy comments “FRG are proud and excited to support the CEO Sleepout event in Manchester. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to push more and more people below the poverty line it’s vital we boost the profile of this growing issue. For me it is one-night sleeping outside but for nearly ¼ million people in the UK it’s reality day after day”
Mike feels very strongly about those affected by poverty and homelessness and adds that “homelessness and poverty shouldn’t exist in this era. The impacts are vast and have a long-lasting effect on our futures. Nobody should have to live on the streets. The work that CEO Sleepout does, especially with veterans, to raise to raise awareness of the plight of those impacted by poverty and homelessness is really important to me.”
Mike grew up in a military family and is personally aware of the difficulties faced by many service-people after leaving the forces. Issues such as PTSD and challenges around integration to civilian life can swiftly lead to poverty and homelessness if those impacted are not supported.
The Royal British Legion estimate that there are currently 6,000 homeless people in the UK with an armed forces background. CEO Sleepout provides an opportunity to get a small insight into hardships that homeless people, including veterans, face every day. One of the charities that benefit from the CEO Sleepout is Walking With The Wounded, a national military charity supporting struggling veterans.
FRG are a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and are committed to supporting those from military backgrounds into meaningful employment after they leave the forces. FRG is also a Living Wage Foundation Recognised Service Provider committed to championing the real Living Wage – the only wage rates independently calculated based on what people need to live on. This year the real Living Wage rate increased by 10.1% in the UK, more than ever in the Living Wage Foundation’s 11-year history reflecting sharp increases in living costs.
Walking With The Wounded’s Director of Income, Joel Oxberry, said: “Walking With The Wounded depends greatly on the generosity of supporters to continue to deliver its vital services; being chosen by CEO Sleepout allows us raise both awareness and funds for ex-military that may find themselves without, for instance, the security of a home to get back on their feet, and to lead independent, purposeful lives.”
Donate to Mike and Troy’s FRG CEO Sleepout via Just Giving https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/frgceosleepout
If you would like to take part, visit: https://ceosleepoutuk.com/manchester/
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