This 10 October, members of the Investec Asset Finance team in Reading left work in the evening, but they did not head home. Instead, they took cardboard and a few basic possessions to the building’s car park, where they would spend the night.
The Big Sleep Out is an event organised by Investec-supported local charity, Launchpad, which focuses on preventing homelessness, as well as housing and supporting people to get their lives back on track. The event aims to raise funds, as well as awareness and continued support from the business community.
“Money to buy food is the tip of the iceberg. People need a support network and hope to get themselves back on their feet.”
Mike Francis, head of Investec Banking for Business
Mike Francis, head of Investec Banking for Business, joined the team in Reading, and said that the charity was inspirational. “It’s the realisation that money to buy food is the tip of the iceberg”, he said. “People need a support network and hope to get themselves back on their feet”.
According to volunteer Sarah Wooster, data protection officer for the Investec Asset Finance Group, the event reminded the team of the “value of simple things which may be missing from the lives of others.” She added that “waking up refreshed in the morning and having a hot coffee is a simple thing which is easy to take for granted.”
Andy Hart, who heads the Investec Asset Finance Group, said that “our people raised a significant amount of money - £2,320 - while gaining a deeper appreciation of how people survive on the streets. Our volunteers are inspired to continue to help Launchpad, who are making a massive difference to people’s lives.”